Roar - by Manjeet Mann (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In this fierce, feminist novel-in-verse by a Carnegie-shortlisted author, a privileged New Delhi teen is unfairly accused of witchcraft. She flees and joins a fearless female warrior collective, where grief turns to rage, and she claims her power to fight back.

Rizu has always lived in comfort behind the gates of an upper-caste New Delhi enclave. Her wealthy best friend rules the school social hierarchy. But when a devastating secret tears their friendship apart, Rizu is accused of being a witch. Mass hysteria ensues --at school and online--and spins wildly out of control and culminates with the murder of Jaya, the family's Dalit housekeeper. No one in power cares enough to seek justice.

Terrified she'll be next and haunted by flaming visions inspired by Mahabhrata epic, Rizu runs away and joins a clandestine group of women vigilantes and the tiger that protects them. Rizu learns to harness her anger, her power, and her hunger for justice. Because sometimes you have to run through the streets and roar to create real change.

Roar is a gripping novel-in-verse, infused with magical realism, about discovering your cultural heritage, finding your voice, fighting back, and reclaiming the power that's always been yours.

About the Author

Manjeet Mann is a multi-award-winning author, playwright, screenwriter, and actress. Her debut YA novel, Run Rebel, was shortlisted for the 2021 Carnegie Medal and won the CILIP Carnegie Shadowers' Choice Award, the UKLA Award, the Diverse Book Award, and the Sheffield Children's Book Award, as well as being named a Guardian Best Book of 2020. Her second novel, The Crossing, won the 2022 Costa Children's Book Award, the UKLA Award, and was Overall Winner at the Sheffield Children's Book Awards. It was also shortlisted for numerous other prizes, including the 2022 Carnegie Medal, Waterstones Children's Book Prize and YA Book Award. Manjeet writes picture books too, including Small's Big Dream, which won the Readers' Choice Award at the Diverse Book Awards. She adapted Run Rebel for the stage with Pilot Theatre, earning Best Production at the 2025 Off West End Stage Awards. Manjeet lives in Scotland.