Genre: Middle Grade
Publisher: Bare Bones
Publication Date: November 2025
Pages: 102
Buy at: Bare Bones
Isn’t it strange that as adults, we are advised to reconnect with our inner child, but children are expected to understand and cope with grown-up issues? What’s more, their concerns are trivialized. Contrary to popular opinion, being a child isn’t easy.
I have always been a fan of the author Sonia Dogra‘s writing. We joined the Blogchatter community around the same time, and I have enjoyed reading her poetry, fiction, and some hard-hitting blog posts at A Hundred Quills. I have also had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Fiction Treasure Trove: 31 Short Stories By Children, edited by her. When her debut novel was announced, I knew I had to pick it up. And pre-ordered the book right away.
Summary and Story
Seven-year-old Kuhu Joshi’s life is anything but simple. In the hill town of Himalpur, she faces a new challenge each day. Nailing a school interview to surviving a difficult PT class. Preparing for a play audition to facing rejection because of her Pahadi accent. But when Ma suddenly becomes distant, she feels lost. What caused this change, and how is her life set to change during these winter holidays?
Kuhu Learns to Deal With Life
The title of the book could not be more apt. The charm of the story is its simplicity. The struggles of a seven-year-old. Things that feel like a matter of life and death for a child but are insignificant to an adult. You can’t help but recall the little child you were. Be it the butterflies at the beginning of a new school session. Or being selected for the school play or sports team. The writing is engaging and has you turning the pages. A quick read of a little over 100 pages, it is the perfect length for young readers.
Kuhu’s story reminds the young reader that their feelings matter. Their issues are not frivolous or silly. They are as real as can be. It is okay for them to simply be a child. There is no rush to grow up soon.
The language is simple and easy to understand. Although the book is directed at children, there is something in it for adults, too. A reminder to pause and rediscover the world through a child’s eyes.
Set in the small town of Himalpur, the setting is a character in itself, adding to the narrative. The book provides a glimpse of life in the hills. Beyond the scenic beauty, it highlights the struggles of winter. The academics. The winter holidays. All from a child’s perspective. The author wanted to depict how different childhood is in the hills compared to the city, highlighting problems rarely depicted in stories, much less children’s books.
The Illustrations
The book is peppered with illustrations by Anisha Kotibhaskar to complement the story. The simple black-and-white drawings that add to the charm of the book. The cover design by Bazma Ahmad perfectly captures Kuhu, setting the tone of the book.
More Indian Middle Grade Books, Please
As a young child in the pre-globalization era, I grew up on a steady dose of Enid Blyton’s. Famous Five, Secret Seven, Five Find Outers, and more. Bal Melas and Book Fairs included more translated Russian books for children than those by Indian authors. Thank heavens for Amar Chitra Kathas and Tinkles, but Indian books were few and far between. Not that they were not being published, but the limited marketing made them less accessible.
Young readers today have far greater access to books they can connect to. Indian lifestyle, settings, and families. And of course, Kuhu’s pre-birthday celebration with samosas and jalebis is definitely more relatable than scones and ham sandwiches. A big shout-out to authors like Sonia Dogra and publishers such as Bare Bones who are working hard to bring more middle-grade books to young Indian readers.
The Verdict
I highly recommend you pick up this debut novel. A perfect gift for a young reader who would relate to Kuhu. Who would identify with her struggles and joys. Or as a gift for yourself, for a generous dose of nostalgia. There is no reason why a grown-up cannot read and enjoy middle-grade books.
As to how Kuhu overcomes the challenges and what caused her mom to change, I will leave that for you to discover.
Kuhu Learns to Deal With Life by @SoniaDogra16 #BookReview @BareBonesLLP #KidLit #BookishLeague Share on X
About the Author
Sonia Dogra is a former educator, freelance editor, writer, a YouTube star, and the author of Kuhu Learns to Deal With Life. As a writer and poet, she has been published in numerous national and international magazines and anthologies. Her significant works include Amity- Peace Poems, My India My Gods, Write in Power, The Kali Project, Usawa Lit Mag, The Hooghly Review, and Muse India among others.
Follow her online at Instagram or her blog, A Hundred Quills.
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
December 3, 2025 @ 8:13 pm
Thank you, Ritu, for reading and for your insightful exploration of Kuhu’s world. I have always been a huge fan of your book recommendations and to have my debut featured on Bohemian Bibliophile is heartening. I’m sure your word will go a long way and help Kuhu reach more readers. Much appreciated 🌼🌼
December 4, 2025 @ 3:43 pm
The pleasure is all mine, Sonia. Wishing Kuhu reaches as many readers as possible. It is such a delightful read.
December 5, 2025 @ 2:44 am
Congratulations to Sonia on the excellent review! Sounds like Sonia has a good career ahead of her as a children’s author. Sharing to help spread the word!
December 5, 2025 @ 8:46 pm
Kuhu sounds like a character that children can actually relate to, rather than just a lesson in a book. I really like that the stories tackle real issues like peer pressure and self-doubt because those are things every kid faces eventually. It seems like a great conversation starter for parents who might find it hard to bring these topics up naturally.
December 6, 2025 @ 5:25 pm
Wish we had such literature while growing up. We had to try and find a reason in Enid Blyton, which was far away from our culture. I think Kuhu is relatable to all school-going children, but how many are reading these days?
December 9, 2025 @ 4:36 pm
Kuhu the name itself is so sweet and adorable which actually is giving the hint that the book is for young readers. The sweetest one is the cover and I just loved it. The review is enough to encourage the inner child in me to read this book.
December 10, 2025 @ 11:32 am
Such a sweet review. Childhood problems felt like the end of the world and this captures that perfectly. Love seeing more stories set in small town India that feel real and familiar.
December 10, 2025 @ 11:38 am
I love books for children. I would like to read this as well. And yes, we shouldn’t trivialise the feelings of young ones.
December 10, 2025 @ 4:05 pm
I’ve been wanting to read this one so badly too but I think the ebook version isn’t out yet. Your positive review has only made me more eager to get my hands on the book soonest
December 11, 2025 @ 5:27 pm
This book beautifully captures the emotional world of a seven-year-old, reminding us how real children’s struggles are. Sonia Dogra writes with warmth, simplicity, and deep insight, making Kuhu’s journey both relatable and nostalgic. With its hill-town charm, lovely illustrations, and heartfelt messaging, this debut is a refreshing addition to Indian middle-grade literature and a delightful read for all ages. Amazing review.
December 12, 2025 @ 8:44 am
I agree, we really do need more middle grade books by Indian authors. When my twins were younger I was desperately looking for Indian reading material for them. Apart from a few authors like Paro Anand I barely found any. Sonia’s book seems perfect for middle graders.
December 12, 2025 @ 12:12 pm
The title of the book -Kuhu Learns to deal with Life , draw me to this book, though I have passed middle grade long back! Here is a book that talks about growing up and life lessons without sounding preachy and alos is attractive enough for children (read illustrations and writing style). Once you have recommended a book, I do not think twice.
Hats off to you too Sonia !
December 12, 2025 @ 2:10 pm
I am a fan of Sonia’s writing and of your clean, precise, and balanced reviews. Both of which are going to ensure that I befriend Kuhu very soon.
December 14, 2025 @ 4:57 pm
The title is so cute. Thanks for the review, I feel my daughter would love to read this book.
December 16, 2025 @ 6:18 pm
You are right when you say that in the times we are in now, the lives of children are far from being easy. I too admire Sonia as a writer and poet and have had the pleasure of reading many of her blog posts. will surely read this one; I agree that chai and samosas are more relatable than ham and sandwiches—any day! We must read and support more indie authors; that’s one of my plans for 2026!