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Ria Bailey is in hot—and probably muddy—water. It all begins when a mysterious treasure, which just might be the famous Heart of the Lotus Ruby, turns up in her mailbox one day. Not only is the jewel stolen, but it also could hold the key to some major problems in Ria’s life. If she and her besties, Miracle Owusu and Annie Hernandez, can figure out the mystery around the stolen ruby and stay one step ahead of some creepy strangers—including the inscrutable and charming Zakir— tracking their moves through the Metropolitan Museum of Art and out through the city streets of New York, then maybe, just maybe, Ria can turn things around for herself.
Sayantani DasGupta returns in rare form with a brand-new story that’s part love letter to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and New York City immigrant families, part twisting and turning heist, and completely an examination of where art belongs, who gets to keep it, and what we, as a society, treasure.
More about the Book
Q&A: Sayantani Dasgupta, Author of ‘Theft of the Ruby Lotus’ in The Nerd Daily
‘Stories are good medicine’: Sayantani DasGupta on narrative medicine and her upcoming novel, ‘Theft of the Ruby Lotus’ in the Columbia Spectator
Praise & Reviews for Theft of the Ruby Lotus
“DasGupta deftly weaves themes of cultural identity and history into a fun, contemporary storyline that explores the impact of colonization and capitalism on the Global South.” —Kirkus Review
“Rollicking good fun.” —Kirkus Review
“Steady pacing and cinematic prose renders an affectionate ode to immigrant families in N.Y.C. that takes a thoughtful and considered approach to colonization’s impact on the artifacts and history of the Global South.” —Publishers Weekly
“DasGupta gives middle-grade readers an exciting action-adventure-mystery that provides plenty to ponder.” —Shelf Awareness
“From “ride or die” friendships to art heists to secret societies to adventure, DasGupta’s latest is sure to entertain middle graders with a variety of interests and literary tastes.” —School Library Journal
“The sarcastic and conversational tone helps to bring the timely issues of art repatriation to a young audience and is sure to inspire art lovers and budding activists alike.” —Booklist
“A delightful mystery that keeps you guessing until the final page. With a twisty plot, big laughs, and an irresistible narrator, it’s a winner in every sense.” – James Ponti, New York Times Bestselling Author of City Spies and the Sherlock Society
“A hilarious mystery, a twisty adventure, a love letter to New York City and the immigrant communities who make it great. Theft of the Ruby Lotus will keep you guessing and laughing straight to the very end. – Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor Author of The Inquisitor’s Tale
“DasGupta’s fast-paced art theft caper has a hilarious heroine and more twists and turns than a New York cab ride. Fans of Mr. Lemoncello and City Spies will adore it.” – E. Lockhart, Bestselling author of We Were Liars
“A Mixed-Up Files for a new generation, Sayantani DasGupta’s charming mystery had me howling with laughter, gasping from the twists and turns, cheering on the delightful cast of characters, all while feverishly turning the page. I’d like to report a crime as Theft of the Ruby Lotus has stolen my heart!” – Elizabeth Eulberg, Bestselling author of The Great Shelby Holmes
“A rollicking adventure tale for kids who wonder why museums have other people’s treasures – and want to know what to do about it!” – Erin L. Thompson, professor of art crime and author of Smashing Statues: The Rise and Fall of America’s Public Monuments