Book Title: Rocket Champs
Author: Niyatee Sharma
Illustrated by: Rucha Phadnis
Publisher: Scholastic India
Length: 96 pages
Type: Paperback
Age Recommendation: 8-12 years

My 10 year son, Shlok reviewed this book:

Storyline– Rocket Champs is about Arjun, a boy who loves science, football, and anything to do with rockets. His teacher announces a STEM science competition, and Arjun is excited because he finally has a chance to prove himself. The only problem is that he has to work with Kiara, his bench partner, who seems to be good at everything and drives him crazy.

What I found most interesting was how both Arjun and Kiara are completely different but secretly want the same thing which is to prove themselves. Their arguments made me laugh, but I also wanted them to stop fighting and become a team. I especially enjoyed reading about Arjun’s dream of building a rocket after watching a real rocket launch. It made the story feel exciting and inspired me to learn more about space.

Highlights in a glance

• Science and Space: The rocket-building ideas and STEM experiments made science feel fun and exciting.
• School Adventures: The football match, classroom jokes, and friendly rivalries kept the story entertaining.
• Teamwork: The story shows that even people who don’t get along can learn to work together.
• Funny Moments: Arjun’s imagination and the arguments between him and Kiara made me laugh many times.

What I liked most

I liked that the book is not just about science but also about friendship, teamwork, and believing in yourself. Arjun is funny and creative, and Kiara is confident and hardworking. Even though they argue a lot at first, I kept reading because I wanted to know if they would become friends and build an amazing project together.

The story is easy to read, has lots of funny moments, and also teaches that everyone has different strengths. Some chapters felt a little long, and I wished Arjun and Kiara had started working together sooner, which is why I am giving it 8 out of 10 instead of a higher score.

Overall, Rocket Champs is a fun adventure for kids who enjoy science, space, school stories, football, and teamwork. It made me smile, laugh, and cheer for the characters. If you like stories that mix humor with science and adventure, you’ll really enjoy this one.

⭐ 8/10

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Disclaimer: Krutheeka and her son are a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.

Mandira Shah has also shared her review in the kbc fb group here. Excerpts:

In Rocket Champs Niyatee Sharma has created a character in Arjun Singh that any curious, messy, experiment-obsessed kid will immediately see themselves in. And perhaps most grown-ups will immediately recognise with a mixture of affection and perhaps nostalgia.

Arjun loves science. But the mess that they leave behind are not something that his mother likes. With experiments firmly banned at home, the school’s announcement of a science competition feels like the universe finally giving Arjun his moment. There’s just one catch: he has to work with his bench mate, Kiara Parekh, who he finds thoroughly annoying.

Kiara is perfectly happy to collaborate, but Arjun? Not so much. After all what does Kiara know about science. He’d rather do it alone and get it wrong than work with her. Watching him slowly — and reluctantly — discover that teamwork can actually be fun is the heart of this story, and Sharma handles it with humour that never feels preachy.

The plot keeps things moving at a fast pace. There’s jealousy, spectacular failure, even theft — it’s dramatic enough to keep young readers genuinely gripped. And amidst the plot, is the idea that science is collaborative, messy, and worth persevering with.

As is friendship.

The illustrations by Rucha Phadnis are delightful adding character and warmth that I can imagine every young reader flipping through even before the words.

I remember my siblings breaking apart a radio in an attempt to see how it works. The repairman insisted that we not be allowed access to screwdrivers etc. That never happened. We continued to break open things – especially my older siblings. Rocket Champs reminded me of those days.

I hope Niyatee Sharma’s book inspires more kids to take up STEM, get curious as they go beyond the why and figure out the how… At least try to.