The Line

Author: Haddow, Swapna

Interest age: from c 3 years

Published on 2 July 2026 by Scholastic in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 32 pages
250 x 275 x 16 | 180g

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A powerful story about Partition, with a hopeful message

at its heart.

'I would draw lines that would lasso us to our neighbours

and keep us close for all time. I would draw lines that made us feel

safe together.'

When a line divides the country of India, a little girl and her

family are forced to leave their home. On her journey, the girl

thinks about what she would do differently if she was in

charge of a line with so much power.

She would draw lines that brought people together, despite their

differences. Her lines would make people friends. Her lines would

make the world a better place.

Bringing together award-winning Indian author, Swapna Haddow,

with British-Pakistani illustrator, Farah Shah, representing both

sides of Partition

The hopeful message of the story and warmth of the illustrations

handle the subject matter with care, suitable for a young audience

Based around a historic event, but with important themes that

are still very relevant today

Includes a spread at the back of the book with facts about

the Partition of India