Age Group: 12+ Years

Description:

The Teenage Diary of Abbakka is a vivid and inspiring work of historical fiction by Kavitha Mandana, bringing to life one of India's most remarkable and undersung warrior queens. The Chowta dynasty of coastal Karnataka was remarkable for its women rulers, and at least two queens bore the legendary name Abbakka — fearless warriors who repeatedly drove back the powerful Portuguese navy. This book imagines the growing-up years of Abbakka III, told through her own diary entries. She trains tirelessly in archery and strategy, embarks on daring sea missions to catch spies, and joins her mother in outwitting the Portuguese who covet their kingdom's precious pepper trade. Along the way, there is also a mysterious boy from Mangalore she cannot quite get out of her mind. Richly rooted in the history and culture of coastal Karnataka, this is a must-read for young readers aged 12 and above.