That Year at Manikoil (Songs of Freedom Series): A Tale of Tamil Nadu During World War II | Middle Grade Historical Fiction | Ages 10+

Book Details

• Author: Krishnakumar, Aditi

• Publisher: Penguin Books

• Language: English

• Edition: 2022

• ISBN: 9780143454267

• Pages: 192

• Cover: Paperback

• Package Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches

About The Book

Set against the backdrop of World War II and the imminent threat of Japanese forces nearing India, The Songs of Freedom takes readers to Madras in 1944. As the war intensifies, Raji and her sisters are sent with their mother to the peaceful village of Manikoil. However, the tranquility they once knew is disrupted as refugees flood into India from Malaya, Burma, and other Eastern countries, and the political landscape shifts with the hope of independence on the horizon.

Amidst this turbulence, Raji is left grappling with uncertainty. Will India gain its freedom, and if so, what will it mean for her and her family? Through the eyes of a young girl, the story navigates the complexities of this transformative period in history. The Songs of Freedom series captures the resilience and hopes of children during India’s struggle for independence, offering readers a window into the personal experiences of those who lived through it. This poignant narrative not only complements school textbooks on the independence movement but also inspires a deeper engagement with the idea of a free India.