In May, we are discussing Khushboo Patel’s debut upper MG book, All That Chandni Knows (ATCK). The next books we will review are here. ATCK is set in 1999 in Vadodara, India. It is Patel’s debut novel-in-verse, a coming-of-age story about the difficult truths behind seemingly perfect home settings. The book released in the US in March, 2026.

Note: Upasna Kakroo wrote this review for Peerbagh and it has no spoilers.

All That Chandni Knows by Khushboo Patel

Chandni in Indian poetry has always been an obsession, but the name itself had its breakout moment in the 1989 Sridevi starrer – Chandni. So, when I first saw the title, I was deeply intrigued, because, well, it was a look back at my own childhood. This book felt like a time capsule of 90s India, deeply reminiscent of a time and place without cell phones or social media to rule lives.

What Works in ATCK

In her author’s note, Patel notes how the externalities may not match the realities of today’s (Western) readers, but those exact details are attractive to me. What a marvel to see FLAMES, Dil Se lyrics, and so many tidbits from 90s India in a book that we’ve wanted in our own childhoods! All That Chandni Knows promises a bold premise and delivers it, with subtlety. We’ve needed these books then, and we need these books now. Because stories set in cultures different than the dominant narrative we’re used to make a difference. When we see textures that remind us of our lived experiences in the pages of a book, we feel seen.

The book has many bold themes, but the quiet elements also stand out, like a first crush, a slight touch of fingers—it’s all very lovely. Patel says, “We are all more than our pain. Even in our hardest phases, we have moments of joy, and the small soft moments or the fun and whimsy and art (music!) can carry us. I really wanted to showcase that.”

However, MG is a tough category to write in. It often hesitates to state things as they are, and has constraints about what is said and left unsaid. When asked why not write it as a YA (Young Adult) book, Patel says, “In so many ways, a YA would have been easier to write. But younger kids also go through difficult things all the time. We do them a disservice if we never give them a safe space to process the hard things, so upper MG felt right for this story and the voice.”

More please

For a while, I sat with the revelation of the emotional truths that Chandni experiences. I went back and forth with how far I’d have the character go to confront the family. Conflicting ideas took hold: would the arc be better served if it were all down and dirty? Or would it be better to choose a form of courage that preserves dignity? We all have different boundaries and physical responses to tough situations. There is no right or wrong; it’s super subjective, and an “it depends” moment. I wouldn’t mind exploring this a bit more, and felt that I needed more time resolving the conflict in my reader’s head.

When asked why she chose to send the main character to a hostel instead of confronting the parental situation more vigorously, Patel says, “The story is also about dreams and trying to figure out who you are apart from this thing that is happening to you. Chandni has to navigate change and loss and realize that her parental situation is not her responsibility to confront (even if she can’t fully emotionally detach from it). She can find relief in the acceptance of her situation, and she can also pursue her dreams, draw strength from the kind of love that transcends physical distance, and pave her own way. Her going away is the physical manifestation of the ‘letting go’ theme of the book.”

Who is it for?

Since everyone is crying out loud that Middle Graders are not reading (we beg to differ), a novel-in-verse may be a quick opening for your tween/early teen. Even if they were not raised in the 90s or in India, the universalities of this book will connect. We need these stories because, as Nigerian writer Adichie has told us, knowing just one story about a culture is dangerous. It’s important to have stories that let us sit in discomfort to think through our own truths, too. Even if, and especially if the experiences are different than ours.

In response to why such books are needed, Patel says, “For so many kids, complex emotional landscapes are their reality. Just reaching one kid who may need it is reason enough, but these books are for everyone. Especially now, at a time when kids are turning to AI/chatbots instead of literature or human connection, and when thinking is in crisis. Engaging with the difficult realities of others makes us all more empathetic (better friends!), critical thinkers, and more equipped to deal with life’s uncertainties. In the age of robots, books help all of us be more human.”

RECOMMEND: Yes! Patel is a debut writer to watch! And while you’re at it, her debut picture book, Stolen Colors, is a great read.

If you’ve read any of Khushboo’s books so far, share your thoughts with us on Instagram.

About Khushboo Patel: She was born in Vadodara, India, and is a graduate of the universities of Mumbai and Oxford. Before her writing journey, she was a lawyer and an entrepreneur. She is based in Florida.