Twelve-year-old Minni thirsts for many things: an education, a good job, a good life. But she also thirsts for water, along with her many neighbors in the downtrodden segment of Mumbai where they live. While Minni lines up to collect water from a collective pump, families in the high rise nearby pour water effortlessly from a spout, all because of disparate income and inadequate water allocation. When Minni and a few companions accidentally stumble upon dangerous water thieves in action, everything in Minni’s life suddenly turns on its head. In the aftermath of these events, Minni has to suddenly grow and mature, fighting for what she wants even among the new responsibilities she must shoulder for her family.

This compelling middle grade novel introduces readers to the realities of life in Mumbai where the divide between the haves and have nots is stark and unfair. While some struggle for clean water and the challenges that come with it, others are living in virtual luxury within sight of those who are not. Minni displays a strong thirst not only for water itself but also for justice and an education, two things which she observes her community to be lacking. As Minni faces her reality first-hand, she embraces the support she receives from neighbors and family in her desire to overcome the obstacles set before her and challenge the expectations unfairly placed upon her by society.

Detailed descriptions of Mumbai, including sights, smells, and flavors, place readers squarely in this vibrant community no matter where in the world they might happen to live. Ongoing caste conflicts and the competition for fresh water are woven seamlessly into the narrative as readers follow the story of a girl who is determined to reach for more. Thanks to short chapters and a compelling plot, readers will easily move through the story, building connections with Minni and her situation as they go. An author’s note at the end of the book brings the global water crisis into clearer perspective for readers and includes websites for further investigation. This is a well-written and important inclusion to library collections for middle grade readers.

This eye opening novel sheds light on the water crisis in India as well as access to education, especially for girls. It was short, filled with emotion, and informative.

Anything put out by Nancy Paulsen I know is going to be phenomenal. Thirst was no different. Access to water is such a deep story and one so necessary.
Inequality, poverty, political corruption, theft, education, and access to water. All topics to discuss in the classroom!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. This was a wonderful story of a young girl, Minni, and her family who live in Mumbai. When her mother becomes ill and goes to her sister's to get better, Minni has to take over her mother's job as well fetch the water and continue to study for her big upcoming exams. Her neighbors rally around her and help out when they can. One of the biggest issues in the book and in Mumbai is the lack of water for the people, especially those in a lower caste like Minni's family. Students will appreciate reading about child's struggle with something that they take for granted every day. This was a wonderful story and I will definitely be adding it to my classroom library.

Interesting take on a children's crime novel, this book is set in India. It would make for a good classroom discussion about scarcity and who has the right to control access to water.

Wow. What an incredible book. Everyone should read it and I’m already trying to figure out how I can get a class set to read with my students. This book is that important.

I thought this was a very touching, realistic, and hopeful portrayal of what daily life is like for so many who live in poverty in India. Minni is one of the most courageous protagonists I've encountered in a while! I will definitely be recommending this to so many of my young patrons.