South Asian writers have been making waves in children’s literature, bringing diverse and thought-provoking stories to young readers. The upcoming releases of 2025 promise an exciting lineup of books for kids and parents alike. Check out these five upcoming children’s books from South Asian authors in 2025.
P.s. We are lucky that excerpts from Suma and Saadia’s books will be a part of Bento’s book excerpts in 2025. Austin community members will be able to meet Reem and Jyoti in person at our Varta event on May 10, 2025. We recently got a sneak peek from Mitali’s upcoming book and all Bento readers loved it.
This post is written by Diksha Sharma, Peerbagh’s Editorial Assistant.
Get a sneak peek into some of these books
Read the excerpt in Bento
Bento Picks: Upcoming Children’s Books We Are Excited About
1. Home Has No Borders – Edited by Samira Ahmed and Sona Charaipotra
Expected Release: 13 May 2025
These stories of family, culture, race, and love will make you walk away with a fresh perspective and a full heart. Home Has No Borders is a must-read for teens because it’s like a literary passport to different worlds! It’s a celebration of identity, belonging, and the magic of diverse voices.
2. The Party Diaries: Lucky Mermaid Sleepover by Mitali Banerjee Ruths
Expected Release: 1 April 2025
If you’ve read the Party Diaries, you know the fun. But if not, then this is the new chapter book from the series, where Priya creates a sleepover party. And saves a new animal. It’s a wonderful chapter book that all kids will love. Bento readers got a sneak peek into this book last month in our StoryLabs and LOVED it!
3. V. Malar: Greatest Ranger of All Time – Suma Subramaniam
Expected Release: 4 November 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure deep in the rainforests of South India! In this middle-grade novel, V. Malar is beyond excited to attend Camp Kurinji, a legendary tiger reserve. Malar dreams of spotting a tiger, but camp life is tougher than she expected—strange food, tough hikes, and a missing pair of sunglasses (thanks to a mischievous monkey!).
Feeling out of place, she’s determined to prove herself as the Greatest Ranger of All Time! Filled with adventure, friendship, and a love for nature, this story is perfect for young explorers.
4. Over in the Mangroves – Jyoti Gopal
Expected Release: 15 July 2025
Take a journey into the heart of the Sundarbans with Over in the Mangroves! Inspired by a classic nursery rhyme, this beautifully illustrated picture book brings the wonders of the mangrove forest to life. From tiger cubs to river otters, little readers will meet the amazing animals of this UNESCO World Heritage site—all while learning to count!
As a storm approaches, the creatures seek shelter, showcasing the mangroves’ importance. With lyrical rhymes, stunning art, and an environmental message, Over in the Mangroves is perfect for bedtime, early learning, and inspiring young nature lovers!
5. The Strongest Heart – Saadia Faruqi
Expected Release: 4 March 2025
From acclaimed author Saadia Faruqi comes The Strongest Heart, a deeply moving story about family, resilience, and the courage to break free from the past. Mo has always tiptoed around his father’s moods, but when his mom leaves for work overseas, things get even tougher.
A move to Texas with his aunt and cousin Rayyan offers a fresh start—but the past isn’t easy to escape. As Mo finds belonging for the first time, he must confront what he left behind. The Strongest Heart is a powerful story of hope, healing, and family.
An excerpt from this book will be in the upcoming issue of Bento in April 2025 and we can’t wait to bring it to you all!
Bonus Pick: Zarina Divided – Reem Faruqi
Expected Release: 20 May 2025
Inspired by real events, Zarina Divided is a powerful coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Partition of India—a moment in history that changed millions of lives forever.
When Zarina’s family is forced to leave Poona for Pakistan, her world is shattered. In a new country and school, she grapples with loss, of belonging, and the divisions within her own heart. Zarina Divided is a poignant historical novel about resilience, identity, and finding a home in a time of upheaval.
Get ready, bookworms! 2025 is bringing a fantastic lineup of upcoming children’s books from South Asian authors—packed with twists, historical journeys, wild adventures, and stories from the heart. These stories will spark your imagination and stay with you long after the last page.
Diksha Sharma is a writer who lives in an India city with many parrots.
2025 new releases,AAPI books for 2025,Books with diverse characters,storytelling for children,storytelling in education,upcoming south asian books
