TIMELY SUBJECT MATTER: Introduces readers to the very real water crises happening right now in various parts of the world, and touches on climate change being one of the causes of these water shortages.

PAINTS A VIVID PICTURE OF LIFE IN THE SLUMS: For example, thirty families in Minni’s neighborhood share five bathrooms, and Minni can’t believe the rich family her mom cleans for has a private bathroom with running water inside their house.

HEROINE WORTH ROOTING FOR: Minni carries a lot on her shoulders—she’s struggling to hold her family together but refusing to let go of her dream of an education.

EYE-OPENING LOOK AT IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION: For Minni, continuing school past seventh grade will determine her entire life trajectory.

CELEBRATES COMMUNITY: When Minna’s family suddenly faces extra difficulty, friends and neighbors step in to help.

Varsha Bajaj is the author of the middle-grade novels Count Me In and Abby Spencer Goes to Bollywood, which was shortlisted for the Cybils Award and included on the Spirit of Texas Reading Program. She also wrote the picture books The Home Builders and This Is Our Baby, Born Today (a Bank Street Best Book). She grew up in Mumbai, India, and when she came to the United States to obtain her master’s degree, her adjustment to the country was aided by her awareness of the culture through books. She lives in Houston, Texas.



Author Residence: Houston, TX

Author Hometown: Mumbai, India

* “Minni lives with her family in Mumbai, India in an incredibly poor neighborhood. Their only access to clean water occurs during a set time of day when the spout is turned on and members of the community wait in line for their turn to fill their containers. It’s both time-consuming and inequitable. One night while out riding with her brother, Minni witnesses thieves stealing water. . . . While working, Minni is confronted by the abundance of water everywhere. It just pours freely out of the faucets in the bathrooms and the kitchen—something she has never witnessed before. . . . 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, starred review

* “Twelve-year-old Minni and her older brother Sanjay might live in a poor neighborhood in India, but they have big dreams: to finish school, get good jobs, and maybe live in one of the tall buildings where water runs from the taps. . . . The story largely focuses on Minni’s internal thirst—for her family to be reunited, for knowledge, for opportunity, for fair treatment. . . . Minni is a likable narrator, and readers will connect with her dreams and courage in the face of unfair treatment. The book also serves as a window into class difference. . . . A meditative first purchase for middle grade collections.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“In this poignant, relatable work, Bajaj expertly depicts class and wealth differences; Minni’s worries for her mother and anger at the injustices inflicted on her community are especially moving. A valiant call for justice.” —Kirkus Reviews

"A 12-year-old investigates water stolen from her Mumbai neighborhood in this clear look at resource access and wealth disparity. . . . Aptly describing variations between rich and the poor and alternating Minni’s first-person telling with the child’s observant journal entries, Bajaj (Count Me In) writes an engaging literary mystery." —Publishers Weekly

"[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. Inspired problem-solving and help from a charming cast of characters. . . . An author’s note draws attention to the realities of the water crisis in India." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"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. The main plot involves the kids’ accidental encounter with the water mafia, thieves who steal and sell fresh water illegally. This is a real and perilous fact in Mumbai and . . . is convincingly portrayed. There’s a lot to learn about and to like here: the characters, the humor, the emotional roller-coaster ride, and more." —Booklist