Part-time writer Mandira Shah, who spends most of her time in the world of IT, recently released her first novel ‘Children of the Hidden Land’. An action-packed, coming-of-age novel, ‘Children of the Hidden Land’ follows the story of two girls – April and Shalini Gupta – who overcome their preconceived notions of a nation, ambition and friendship, while they are in a difficult situation. extraordinary mission. The book has been shortlisted for the Author Awards 2023 in the Best Children’s Literature category.
Fifteen-year-old April lives in Imphal where she has grown up hearing stories of missing children. And so, when Hanthoiba – her best friend – goes missing, April sets out on a mission to find her. He doesn’t see a potential in his new school friend Shalini Gupta, an army man’s daughter and new to Imphal. As April and Shalini search for Henthoiba, they discover an unknown world where children are trafficked and trained to become soldiers. Not only this, drugs, weapons and gold are also being smuggled across the border! Will they be able to find Henthoiba? Also, why did Hanthoiba disappear?

This thriller will take young readers on an adventure in search of Hanthoiba. Through this story Shah has touched some important topics like insurgency, militancy, child trafficking, drugs, smuggling etc. This is an exciting book for kids, which will keep them hooked till the end.