All That Chandni Knows

By: Khushboo Patel

Narrated by: Reena Dutt

A powerful middle-grade novel in verse set in India that follows a 12-year-old girl as she navigates new beginnings, difficult truths and a crush.

Perfect for fans of The Night Diary; Red, White and Whole; and Remember Us.

For twelve-year-old Chandni, 1999 is the year everything must be perfect. And why shouldn’t it be?

Her parents are well-respected doctors in the community, she’s the leader of her friend group, and her crush is even hinting at liking her back. She also has her sights set high on a spot at India’s most prestigious boarding school for girls. If she stays focused and works hard, the dream just may be within reach.

But as the boarding school selection deadline looms closer, Chandni is overwhelmed by a devastating secret that’s threatening to tear her family apart. With life and relationships spiraling around her, Chandni will have to decide between pursuing her ambitions and protecting her family.

Set against the vibrant turn of the millennium in India, this debut middle grade novel in verse is a beautiful and vulnerable story about the seismic events that life throws at us and the love that helps us brave it all.

Critic reviews

★ "This striking novel in verse is a riveting character study...Emotionally resonant with rich, lyrical writing." —Booklist (starred review)

"An immersive verse novel. Raw emotions. A vividly rendered setting." —Publishers Weekly

"In Patel’s debut, Chandni is a resilient and realistic tween character, who’s drawn with authenticity... A poignant, character-driven exploration." —Kirkus

"The book’s themes of growing up and navigating relationships with loved ones are universal and relatable to middle grade readers." —SLJ

"A story that soars from quite literally the very first page. A book brimming with both humor and heart, Patel’s debut is a remarkable tale of finding oneself among the imperfect rollercoaster of life." —Shifa Safadi Saltagi, National Book Award-winning author of Kareem Between

"All That Chandni Knows is an emotional tale in stunning verse about the things we think we can't talk about with others and how secrets can weigh so heavily on the heart." —Veera Hiranandani, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Night Diary

"Instantly immersive. Patel delicately weaves together verse that is not only lyrical, but gripping. An unforgettable debut!" —Reem Faruqi, award-winning author of Unsettled and Zarina Divided

"All That Chandni Knows is powerful, poignant coming-of-age verse novel about family secrets, friendship, and being true to yourself. Brave, observant, and dynamic, Chandni is a character readers will root for." —Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor-winning author of Red, White, and Whole

"Patel masterfully weaves rhythm and heart throughout this novel in verse. With Chandni, you'll feel the excitement of a first crush, the heaviness of family conflict, and the restless pull of a girl carrying big dreams." —Jasminne Paulino, author of The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez