Neev Times Nov Issue 36 by Neev Schools

TIMES

November, 2024

“To see the silver lining, we must first open our minds and hearts, allowing ourselves to embrace the possibility that within every challenge lies the seed of something meaningful.”

- Nihaal Singh Sehgal, Grade 10 A

Weathering the Storm

Regardless of age, a mindset essential for everyone is that there is always a silver lining behind every dark cloud. Patience is key; with time, the darkness will dissipate, allowing us to see the light.

Cultivating a positive outlook involves practicing gratitude. Surrounding ourselves with uplifting individuals can significantly boost our mood. This helps us in staying calm and optimistic and being resilient during bad times When students approach me with concerns about low scores, I always advise them to analyze the reasons behind their performance. With the right attitude, they move closer to finding that ray of light. Setbacks and failures should be viewed as opportunities for personal growth Achieving this growth requires us to establish personal goals small, attainable objectives that we can pursue step by step Reflecting on our actions can be one of the most effective ways to improve. Taking a moment each night to consider what went well and what could have been improved for the future fosters gratitude and encourages thoughtful reflection

Our perspective significantly influences how we respond to challenges, adapt, and grow Viewing obstacles as opportunities encourages a proactive mindset, motivating us to seek solutions instead of feeling trapped. By consciously nurturing a positive and flexible viewpoint, we empower ourselves to embrace learning, and improve our lives meaningfully This mindset not only enhances our own experiences but also positively influences those around us. Always remember: dark clouds are not here to stay.

Priya Kerkar Head - MYP Programme and MYP Coordinator

EDITORIAL

Confronting the 'What If?': Rethinking Rejection

Garnering a fear of rejection, whether it stems from a past experience, or just a baseless prediction we imagine, frequently ends with a self-fulfilling prophecy: if we think that someone is going to say “no”, why bother in the first place? Jia Jiang talks about this sentiment extensively in his TED Talk ‘What I learned from 100 days of rejection’ We often avoid rejection because of the strong emotions associated with it, like humiliation and regret; but can we ever desensitize ourselves from these emotions entirely? Based on Jason Comely’s game Rejection Therapy, Jiang set himself a challenge: to face as much rejection as possible in the span of a hundred days. And the results were fascinating. With the courage to ask the simple question “Why?”, he found that rejections were never dead ends as long as one can change their perspective.

This fear of an unknown outcome is undeniable. From participating in a competition, creating or joining a club, forming relationships, or dealing with feedback - almost every aspect of our lives which requires initiative can be incredibly daunting Jiang's personal reflection on his 100 day-venture, which might seem nightmarish, offers a poignant insight. Rejection is neither a perpetual reminder of failure, nor embarrassment. Rejection is also not necessarily a means to an end. The point of taking a chance is not to hear a simple 'yes' or 'no', but rather to get the opportunity to ask, learn and reframe If we are able to look past the immediate urge to run-away from adversity, it is possible that we might find comfort in what is unpredictable.

A Vision for Growth and Engagement

As the President and Vice-President of our school, we are growth and unity To achieve this, we have multiple initiativ the upcoming months.

Firstly, we are reworking on the mentorship programme, inc organization to ensure that the students can receive more pe support. We also aim to check in with classes once or twice a suggestions, ensuring that everyone feels heard and supporte we have created a new assembly schedule, allocating two Fri month to the students from Grade 1-3 to give them an oppo showcase their talents and skills Re-establishing the Parikra Day is another highlight the executive council is planning F looking to introduce more cultural events for grades 4-8 as p suggestions, in different fields beyond sports, such as science

Our vision is to foster an environment where every student c feel valued. Through our initiatives, we aim to strengthen th our school community, ensuring that every voice is heard an is celebrated.

Aarush Gupta (11A) & Navya Khandelwal (11B) President & Vice President - AY 2024-25

Ideas@Neev Lecture by Professor Spenta Wadi

Aditi Kaila, Grade 11A

On October 4th, 2024, the students and staff at Neev had pp y @ lecture conducted by Spenta R. Wadia, a highly esteemed and scholarly theoretical physicist. Professor Wadia discussed enthralling concepts in physics, providing audience members with a fascinating glimpse into the "History of time", including the evolution of humankind's perception of time, and the various frameworks scientists developed to theorize its nature.

One such theory is the Newtonian framework of physics - the notion of universal time and the law of universal gravitation. Newtonian mechanics proposes the idea that discerns time as absolute, allowing it to be the same from every perspective and for all observers Professor Wadia proceeded to discuss how, centuries later, Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity proposed a contrasting view of time being relative for every viewer, depending on their motion and the gravitation they experience. This shift in understanding shows how evolution in scientific discoveries doesn't merely shut down pre-existing theories, but challenges them to rediscover new perspectives. As Professor Wadia said, the two theories coexist, but in different contexts, which has reshaped our understanding of time. Similarly, all scientific theories evolve through dismissal, reinterpretation, and new outcomes, the silver lining of the scientific cycle

Ideas@Neev Lecture by Dr.

Mahesh Rangarajan

Alisha Patil, Grade 10B

On November 8th 2024, Dr Mahesh Rangarajan, a historian and environmentalist, conducted a session on the relationship between ecology and society in India. Through the lecture, he discussed how the past and present has influenced perspectives towards the conservation of animals, including the significance of animals in Indian history

Through the talk, we learnt about how ancient rulers in our country flaunted their strength by defeating prestigious animals. He spoke about the symbolism of conquering animals throughout history and how it promised protection to a king’s subjects and warned adversaries, as reflected in their sinhaasans (thrones), which depicted the features of a sinh (lion) which represented royalty

This ideology about animals evolved into today’s respect and fear we associate with wildlife. It is clear that we were not merely working towards the conservation of animals in today’s world, but a world where we coexist, ensuring that all growth aligns with the preservation of life

Dussehra Celebrations at Neev

Anya Shenoy, Grade 11B

Dussehra, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India, marking the victory of good over evil. Although the festival commemorates the defeat of the demon king Ravana by Lord Rama, the stories about the origins vary between regions This is why it was only fitting that our

fun, a traditional dance known as Garba Garba is usually performed in a circle to the beat of folk songs. Due to a complete lack of choreography it is no surprise that at first there was a lot of tripping, bumping into each other and other mishaps However, as we moved with the rhythm the dance soon became more coordinated, but more importantly fun The bright colors of everyone's ethnic wear and the melody of the traditional music created an electric atmosphere that made even the most bored student want to dance as well.

festive

Love & Light:

The Neev Way

Sayuri Manon, Grade 10B

Diwali is commonly known as the festival of lights, highlighting the triumph of good over evil. On the 30th of October, our school came alive with the vibrant hues of the festival as students, and teachers gathered to celebrate together.

The festivities kicked off with the diya painting, where a whirlwind of colour came together as students painted their hearts’ desires onto the diyas. This was followed by a scrumptious lunch of chole bhature because we Indians celebrate through our hearts, minds, and stomachs The festival’s soul truly came alive as the rhythms of garba wafted through the air, energising everyone around. The final dance brought everyone together one last time, creating a beautiful moment of joy and fun With smiles and sweat painted across our faces, we knew that these memories would stay with us long after the celebration ended. As we moved back to our classrooms, the lingering echoes of laughter and music reminded us of what makes Diwali a festival of lights and love.

A Sporting

Mindset: Reflecting on the Grade 4-8

Interhouse Competitions

Tuesday, 29th October, 2024

When we heard the whistle, it felt like nothing but this match existed. And in the second match, it was just like a miracle We were not doing so well during the first match, but as soon as we started the next, we felt determined to do our best Even if we didn’t live up to our expectations, we had fun, and that’s what’s important

Overall, these events helped us with our strategy, teamwork and building healthy competition

Saanvi Nair, Grade 5B

We got to cheer on the 4th and 5th graders in basketball, encourage the 6th graders while they swam, and finally scream and jump around as our houses won the match. My house (Ganges) came 4th in girls football, and of course we were sad about it, but being able to cheer on our teams and work together made the experience much more enjoyable This interhouse competition prominently displayed the unity and harmony between our teams

Prakruti Balaji, Grade 8A

Interhouse competitions are an awesome way to develop school spirit as although a few students actually play the match, everyone is cheering for their house. On October 29th, as I stepped onto the basketball court, I had doubts about if we would win or not, but with my friends counting on me I tried my best. Game after game we won, until there was a tie between Narmada and Brahmaputra I tried my best to keep my hopes up in the meantime and I was over the moon because we won But at the end of the day, I knew that it's more than just the game, it's about community, pride, and sportsmanship.

Vaanya Sureka, Grade 5A

Trump’s Return to Presidency

Arin V Jagtap, Grade 10A

Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election, while debated, has numerous implications that could reshape American society and perhaps the globe too. Firstly, his return to the White House may fuel political engagement among citizens who feel subjugated This renewed activism could lead to a more informed electorate and greater accountability in governance His ability to attract diverse voter support, including increased backing from Latino and Black communities, may encourage the Republican Party to adopt more inclusive policies and outreach efforts Furthermore, Trump's intentions of implementing 60% tariffs on most Chinese products and a 100% tariff on EVs from Mexico, offer an opportunity for the American economy to expand and develop. While challenges remain, these changes show light for opportunities to instill progress and engagement in the evolving landscape of both The U e as a whole

Rafael Nadal’s Grand Exit

Hana Yenepoya, Grade 11A

Rafael Nadal’s retirement following the Davis Cup signifies beyond just the end of a sensational career, but the end of an era in tennis history. Widely celebrated for his 22 grand slams, and 14 French Open titles, his career is an embodiment of resilience and dedication It’s often characterized further by the storied rivalries with Federer and Djokovic. “I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best,” he shared, alluding to how he perceives true greatness coming out of the pursuit of excellence, rather than the records of it

Nadal’s absence could signal a paradigm shift in tennis, posing a question as to what will become of the tennis world with this newfound loss Will the soul that Nadal has interwoven into the athletic aspect of his game be lost? The outcome of this will significantly shape the scene of tennis, influencing not just the game, but also the way the audience resonates with it. Regardless of an uncertain future, we can take comfort in the certainty that the athleticism, tenacity and depth of character which Nadal has drawn out of tennis will be preserved in the heart of the sport for generations to come

The Death of the Leader of Hamas

Sanjana Garg, Grade 11A

Yahya Sinwar, an influential Palestinian militant leader, rose to the helm of Hamas after serving two years in an Israeli prison. Considered one of the main architects of the October 7th attacks, Sinwar has since been a primary target Israeli leaders vowed to hold Sinwar accountable, along with other Hamas leaders. His role as a mastermind within Hamas made him a central figure, yet he has remained hidden in Gaza’s tunnel network for over a year. For this period, his fate seemed to parallel the fate of the war in Gaza Sinwar’s death at the hands of Israeli troops now raises questions about a potential turning point in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Known as a hardline

leader Sinwar consistently rejected compromises during truce negotiations Hamas members have often stated that “no decision is made without consulting Sinwar.”

In the aftermath of his death, multiple paths may unfold. On one hand, it could open channels for Hamas to consider truce demands, providing Israel with a symbolic victory. On the other, new leadership might continue Sinwar’s hardline approach, with Hamas’s core negotiating stance largely unchanged Thus, the prospect of a ceasefire remains uncertain.

The Environment: A War Victim

Riya Bopanna, Grade 9C

Currently, there are more armed conflicts taking place than at any other time since World War Two These conflicts have a silent victim: the environment. Many governments and conservation organizations have neglected to address the largescale impacts of armed conflict on biodiversity The necessary policies must be introduced so we don’t push ourselves to the brink of a war with nature

Conflict parties have polluted water, burned crops, destroyed forests, poisoned soils, and killed animals to gain military advantage. For instance, since the Ukraine-Russia war in 2022, 3 million hectares of Ukraine’s protected areas have been affected by military activity Increases in weapon ownership have led to an increase in illegal hunting, poaching, and logging activities. This has led to the decline and extinction of some species across the African Sahara–Sahel region.

It is clear that armed conflicts pose a significant threat to the environment as we know it. In the long run, it has the potential to cause food and water insecurity and destroy livelihoods It has remained undiscussed in key international agreements like “The Convention on Biological Diversity”. Global leaders must step up and explicitly incorporate laws and plans that would address the needs and challenges of the natural world during warfare.

Hanumankind: Rising with the Underdawgs

Tamara Serukur, Grade 11B

Sooraj Cherukat, better known as Hanumankind, has recently emerged as an international rap powerhouse Known affectionately as the “internet's favourite mallu boy”, Hanumankind’s music and artistic identity leans into his cultural identity as an Indian-born, English speaking artist, representing the aspiration and complexity of India’s modern youth via his music In the past months, his single “Big Dawgs”, produced by DJ Kalmi, gained instant virality. Hanumankind’s rise serves as a testament to the rising power of subcultures breaking into the Indian mainstream media.

Like many other rappers before him, Hanumankind’s music serves as a medium for cultural commentary, allowing him to emphasise on the changing Indian identity For many, English is more than a means of communication but rather, a marker of modernity and thus, change Hanumankind’s success speaks volumes to the new generations of Indians who see cultural hybridity as a strength, not as a barrier As Hanumankind’s continues his journey, he stands as a reminder that success in India’s music industry no longer adheres to rigid formulas or monolithic representations, but rather as an echo of finding their place in a globalised world while remaining rooted in their identity

Striving in Sports

Kaavya Sahi, Grade 9C

Imagine a world without sports, a world without teamwork, perseverance, hard work, or pride. That’s the very reality Project SINC (Sports in Needful Communities) is working to prevent by ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to an adequate sports education and opportunities to thrive

Founded in 2023 by Keerat, Avyay, and Aditya from 9th grade, the project has since grown with new members also from 9th grade. What started with teaching football to children at GLPS Thubarahalli Government School soon became something more A year of consistent training led up to their first ever sports day, giving students a chance to experience the joy of competition, teamwork, kindness and sportsmanship. Inspired by this success, Project SINC aims to expand their outreach, bringing in more participants, better facilities, and bigger grounds. Reflecting on the experience, the team has shared how there were many difficulties present in terms of the language barrier, despite which they found success in teaching the kids the universal language of sports!

Hope for Change

Saige Sarawagi, Grade 5C

Let’s take care of Earth today, In every little, thoughtful way Turn off the lights, don’t let them burn, Save some power at every turn.

Reuse that bottle, recycle that can, Small steps lead to a bigger plan. Plant a tree, let nature grow, A greener world starts with what we know

Water’s precious, don’t let it waste, Save every drop no need to haste Walk or bike, instead of drive, Keep our planet’s air alive.

From the ground up to the sky, Let’s protect it, you and I. Sustainability’s the goal we choose, A better Earth we’ll never lose

With their eyes set on the future, Project SINC aims to uncover and nurture talent from underprivileged communities, maintaining a simple, yet powerful mission; to ensure no child misses out on the privilege it is to learn a sport

Follow @project sinc for more updates and information!

Finding Strength in Adversity

Ira Singh Kapany, Grade 5C

Change is an unpredictable phenomenon. The outcomes are sometimes positive and sometimes negative. However, it’s ultimately a matter of perception and attitude. When life throws challenges your way, you have 2 choices: either give up or rise above This is a lesson I learned firsthand

In the 4th grade, I thought I had a simple stomach-ache, but it turned out to be a serious condition that required surgery. Suddenly, I was unable to play sports, dance, or even walk around the school campus The recovery process lasted for 4 more months, leaving me distraught But despite the setback, I refused to give up. I took things one step at a time, working diligently to regain my strength and mobility. I experienced both highs & lows, but I remained committed in my determination.

As a result, 6 months after my surgery, I was running, playing, and dancing again. I had even managed to become a part of both the Neev Football & Swimming teams! This experience taught me a valuable lesson: half the battle lies within our minds A positive mindset is the key to overcoming any obstacle Change is a force that can be shaped & molded to our will

The Role of Error in Discovery

Haya Nasir, Grade 6C

Errors are a natural part of life, often leading to some of our greatest growth moments Though commonly mistaken as failures, errors are valuable learning experiences. They pave the way for new mindsets, growth and change. Various personal and global examples showcase how errors are so vital for our overall development Globally, historical mistakes have often led to important societal changes, discoveries and learnings. A prime example of this is when Christopher Columbus set sail in 1492, in search of a faster trade route to Asia by heading west across the Atlantic. However, due to a miscalculation, he ended up in America This was an important geographical discovery, leading to developments in trade, culture and geopolitics Errors are inevitable, but how we respond to them determines their ultimate impact. With the appropriate mindset, mistakes become tools for personal and communal growth. Overall, through reflection and learning, we can ensure that setbacks turn into successes and create a positive and lasting change in our lives

Shaping Mindsets: Striving for Improvement and Impact

Aahana Sanath, Grade 6B

Our mindset plays a crucial role in shaping our judgment and actions A positive, growth-oriented mindset encourages us to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth When faced with obstacles, individuals with this mindset are more likely to analyze situations constructively, leading to better decision-making and resilience In contrast, a fixed mindset can result in fear of failure, limiting our potential to learn from mistakes. By reflecting on our experiences, we transform failures into stepping stones for success, fostering a continuous cycle of improvement.

Giving back to our communities amplifies our impact and reinforces our values. Engaging in community service, mentorship, or local initiatives not only helps those in need but also cultivates a sense of belonging and purpose. Initiatives like environmental conservation programs and educational outreach inspire my values, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and social responsibility By nurturing a growth mindset and actively contributing to our communities, we can drive meaningful change and inspire others to do the same

My Experience at ISSO National Games for Gymnastics

Shloka Nangineni, Grade 5A

On 15th October, 2024, I participated in the ISSO National games for gymnastics This was my first time at nationals and it was an amazing experience, as I learnt about my competitors and got to see them in action But more importantly, I learnt how to accept defeat I found that most of my competitors had been to at least 2 - 3 nationals. I thought I had no chance Through the competition I had to learn to calm myself, as the Uneven Bars, Beam and Floor didn’t go my way. With thoughts swirling in my head about winning or losing, I went for my last event - Vault

I did something incredible there. I proved myself worthy by getting second place for Vault Though my heart was proud, my mind was clouded as I nearly got 3rd place in the overall championships. As I was so close, I was quite disappointed Nevertheless, with the knowledge and learning gained from this experience, despite coming fourth overall, I now know that I have the ability to take myself to the next level with consistent practice and hard work for the next year.

Myra Ashana, Grade 1C

Hope: A Super Power

Siddhanam Kolhapure, Grade 4C

I had gotten an email about the Lakshyan Singles Badminton Tournament. I have been playing badminton for the last two years, since I was 7. However, I had never participated in a competition. The tournament was taking place on 19th Oct 2024, for which I had enrolled myself.

Searching for the Good

Harman Oberoi, Grade 7D

On the way to the venue, images of my first day at my home court flashed in front of my eyes. Massive hall, ceiling tall, green walls Wooden floor with faded lines that mark the courts I reached the academy at 10:00 AM and completed the registration. The clouds were dark. The matches would start at around 11:45 AM I was playing in the under 11 category. We were 16 participants, equally divided in 4 groups. To qualify for the semi-finals, I had to win against the other three in my group.

I had won the first match, starting off on a positive note However when I lost the second - tears gathered in my eyes. I had made silly mistakes on the court. The third match was much worse. But this led to me staying back and I got the opportunity to watch the under-13 category. I got to see state level players on the court. I learnt new techniques, I understood why I lost my matches

On the way back, I kept staring at my shoes. We reached home I got out of the car and looked at the sky The birds were heading home The clouds were not too dark any more.

When clouds are dark and skies are gray, Remember there’s a brighter way Each mistake can help us grow, Learning things we didn’t know.

With every challenge that we face, We find our strength and find our place. Let’s give a hand and share a smile, Together, we can go that extra mile

So when things seem tough and rough, Look for the good, and stay real tough With hope and kindness, we will shine, Finding silver linings, every time.

Sustainable Fashion: Re-flect,

Re-learn, Re-cycle

Anezka Sequeira, Grade 5B

We as humans make mistakes, but do we reflect upon them? A lot of us want to keep up with the latest fashion trends, but we forget to consider the impact on the environment. The Atacama Desert in Chile holds a pile of unwanted clothes. This contains tonnes of second-hand clothes, some unsellable or never worn Workers burn them, causing pollution and harming nearby communities, as inhaling these fumes can be dangerous

Most of these clothes are manufactured by fast fashion brands, which use mass production to create clothing from cheap materials, creating a cycle of use-and-throw fashion. H&M launched the ‘Bring It’ campaign in 2013, which encourages customers to bring used garments for the purpose of recycling To do our bit, we can invest in high quality clothing that lasts longer, repeat clothes or look for brands that specialize in sustainable fashion. For example, Ecoline creates clothing from used plastic bottles, and Canva Loop creates garments from pineapple, banana and hemp waste.

Let's reflect on our choices and choose the path of sustainable fashion.

Path of Dreams

Disha Suresh, Grade 4D

On the path of dreams, Success is something to achieve

But before we embark, What lights up the spark? Of the lantern which brightens the way

We fall and we stumble, Mistakes made as we fumble But trust, this is the key To the doorway of glee The walk to achievement is rarely straight

So, use you mistakes to save the day

On the way, We make the stop To reflect On our flops Our progress flows, As our beliefs start to grow

Changing our mindset From anger to kindness Mistakes are just trials To prepare for the real mile Understanding and observing, Blunders are discerning

The jungle of perfection Is the last section But is it needed? Does that mean you’ve succeeded?

So, make use of the journey, Instead of increasing in worry

Building success with each step we take From the beautiful mess our errors make

Clothes dump in the Atacama Desert, Chile

A Positive Reflection

on Term 1 as a Class Representative

Meera Tantia, Grade 5D

As we near the end of the first term, we tend to reflect on the impactful changes we have made throughout this term; how these changes we have made impact us and how it helps us to reflect on our values and actions.

As I am now in Grade 5 and am a class representative, I have started to reflect and understand my mindset, my actions and my values, and that has helped me become a better version of myself and has helped me make the community around me stronger than ever. I now know the challenges all of us face in our daily lives a little better

Being a class representative has allowed me to interact with all my peers to make a meaningful impact and changes to our community, and has been a very enriching and an important role because it has helped me aim for change in my community. The initiative of this role has inspired me to think about my values and my every action to take creative decisions

RECOMMENDATIONS

Normalizing Errors: A Path to Betterment

Ayaan Gupta, Grade 5C

"To err is human " This timeless quote reminds us that mistakes are an integral part of life. But how can our errors or mistakes contribute to our growth? When we make errors, we face hurdles that push us to reflect, adjust and adapt.

Consider a student who fails a test. Initially, this may feel disheartening, however, it can motivate them to study harder or seek assistance, ultimately leading to better outcomes in the future. This process embodies the "silver lining" in highlighting the positive outcomes that can arise from negative experiences and situations. When we consider a global lens, most technological developments have also been based on trial, error and discovery.

Each hardship leads us closer to success, showing us that perseverance is key Our mistakes are not merely setbacks; they are opportunities for growth, shaping us into more resilient and wiser individuals “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in “ – Leonard Cohen.

The Happy Secret to Better Work by Shawn Achor

"We've pushed happiness over the cognitive horizon, as a society"

All It Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes by Andy Puddicombe “The sad fact is that we are so distracted that we’re no longer present in the world in which we live”.

Illustrating The Hidden Kingdom of Plants by Nirupa Rao “The further and further we grow from nature the more we are almost literally blind to it and the effects our activities have on it”

“The Coquies Still Sing” by Karina Nicole

Gonzalez & Krystal Quiles

Aryan Kora, Grade 3D

This book is about a community in Puerto Rico that was living happily until a hurricane hit them so hard that it wreaked havoc in their village. The best part of the story was the family's resilience towards surviving the storm just like the tall and strong mango tree that was in their front yard I also liked how the community collaborated towards rebuilding the village after the catastrophic event. My favorite aspect of the story is the mango tree, as it didn't give up living even after the deadliest hurricanes It acted as a symbol of hope, which inspired the rest of the community. I recommend this book to everyone

“Fermat's Last Theorem” by Simon

Singh

Shenaya Bhattacharjee, Grade 10B

Throughout this book, Simon Singh weaves the history behind one of the greatest mathematical mysteries that has plagued the world: Fermat's Last Theorem. Portraying math through an extremely simplistic lens allows anybody to read and understand such a bewildering concept. To the surprise of many, it is a narrative that intertwines betrayal, love, and hope but not in the traditional form. The author had the opportunity to speak to and work with many great mathematical minds, including Andrew Wiles, the man who finally proved Fermat’s last conjecture. By opening your mind to the beauty of mathematics and the contributions of mathematicians from famous figures like Isaac Newton to Évariste Galois you can delve into the story of Fermat’s Last Theorem.

“The Clockwork Queen”

by Peter Bunzl

Ria Krishnan, Grade 4D

India recently clinched a Historic Double Olympiad Gold at the 45th FIDE chess Olympiad event held in Budapest. As a chess player myself, I picked up this interesting chess-related book about wit, strategy, and the indomitable spirit of a young girl named Sophie Peshka In the story, Sophie's father, Ivan Peshka, a chess grandmaster, is tasked with teaching chess to the Empress’s son Prince Paul But alas, the prince fails to learn the game. In a fit of rage and anger, the empress imprisons Sophie's father. As a chess player, Sophie uses her skill and intellect to anticipate moves and has a trick up her sleeve. Sophie's determination to rescue her father is truly inspiring and reminds us that when faced with a challenge, we must keep moving forward.

“The Body in The Swimming Pool” by Shabnam Minwalla

Riddhi Mantri, Grade 6D

Paromita Mehta, a fourteenyear-old girl, with an IQ of 147, is left-brained, and mostly described as bright, bossy, and capable. Unfortunately, she is stuck at home with chicken pox Oh, and no, she’s not alone: Nihal Advani, Darius Engineer, and Sunidhi Menon all fall sick with chickenpox. Coincidentally, their neighbor, Sandra Saldanha, a poet and English literature professor, fell to her death from her balcony, landing straight into their apartment's swimming pool As they start digging through her past, they start to realize that maybe the people they trust the most aren’t who they think they are. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good murder mystery. And remember, “Trust no one!”

“A Duet For Home” by Karina Yan Glaser

Karna C Seshadri, Grade 5D

This is a heartwarming story about a girl whose father dies in a car crash, leaving her mother distraught and struggling to manage. As a result, June Yang, her mother, and her younger sister are forced to move into a homeless shelter in New York. June also has to hide her viola, gifted by her father, from the shelter’s head. In addition, the shelter may have to shut down. June and friends have to save it! I liked this book because it shows compassion, change, and how June grew up. I would recommend this book because of its slight complexity and sometimes serious storyline.

“The Way of Kings” by Brandon Sanderson Reyahn

Bantia, Grade 9B

Set in Roshar, a land of storms and stones, “The Way of Kings”, by Brandon Sanderson traces the journey of three common and seemingly unrelated people: a determined slave haunted by personal demons, an inquisitive scholar hiding a dark secret, and a bright lord who seems to be losing his mind With evil on their doorstep, each character is fighting their own battles, until they are drawn in by a large conflict. Putting their differences aside, they unite against a common enemy threatening Roshar, along with everything they hold dear. I would recommend The Way of Kings to anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventure, or science fiction. The suspense, worldbuilding, and compelling characters made it so that when I picked the book up, I couldn't put it down until I finished it!