Thirst

A New York Times bestseller

The riveting story of a heroic girl who fights for her belief that water should be for everyone.

Minni lives in the poorest part of Mumbai, where access to water is limited to a few hours a day and the communal taps have long lines. Lately, though, even that access is threatened by severe water shortages and thieves who are stealing this precious commodity—an act that Minni accidentally witnesses one night. Meanwhile, in the high-rise building where she just started to work, she discovers that water streams out of every faucet and there's even a rooftop swimming pool. Then one day, Minni encounters the water mafia boss and faces her biggest dilemma yet—should she expose him even if it means risking her job... and maybe her life? How did her future get so complicated?

“This title gives readers a powerful look at the importance of free water and how the inequalities surrounding its distribution impacts communities in India. The story is filled with hope and faith as Minni learns the importance of education, family, friendship, opportunities, and taking a stand for her community.” —School Library Connection

“Bajaj thoughtfully examines class and privilege, making topics like water access and income inequality accessible to middle-grade readers. Bajaj shows how a lack of clean water, decent health care and education can affect people’s lives ... Water may not flow freely like it does in the high-rise Minni works in, but community and hope do. A sense of togetherness—whether it’s Minni’s aunties bringing her food or the school guard allowing her to enter school late—pulses through this meaningful narrative.” —Shelf Awareness

“The kids are smart and savvy, and their friendship is strong, so when a series of calamities adds layers of danger, they support one another through the worst of it. This fast-paced adventure story includes a vivid portrayal of life in a place where income disparities are glaring, education is a hard-won privilege, and a lot hangs in the balance when you take a risk.” —Booklist

“[There] are real and clear hardships, but Minni’s thoughtful narration and occasional poetry also depict a family and community working tirelessly to support one another and instill hope in an environment that’s especially hard on women and children.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books