Tanisha Pereira’s debut novel ‘The Gem Heist’ gets rave reviews
CHARLOTTE
Getting selected as one of 20 finalists from thousands of submissions at a competition in the USA was an achievement in itself, but a 13-year-old Goan-origin author living in Charlotte in North Carolina went a step ahead and has recently published her debut novel.
Tanisha Pereira’s book, The Gem Heist, is a middle grade mystery adventure targeted at kids in the 7-12 years range.
Her father, Ashley Pereira, was born and brought up in Chicalim, before he, his wife, Puvana and their family moved to the USA in 2009. Both Tanisha and her younger sister, Tara, were born in the US.
“Tanisha originally pitched the idea for this book at the NaNoWriMo PitchaPalooza competition in the USA in 2022 where her pitch was selected as one of 20 finalists from thousands of submissions nationwide. This achievement motivated Tanisha to finish writing her book and publish it,” said Ashley.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
The Gem Heist is about a high stakes mystery that unfolds when The Gem of Fairy Tales gets stolen. The Gem of Fairytales is the source of inspiration for all stories and the thief must be stopped before they use it to destroy fairytales forever.
All eyes turn on Skylar Carson and she’ll do anything to prove she didn’t do it. Deep down Skylar thinks her mum, the evil snow queen, must have something to do with it, but she refuses to accept that her mum would do it.
Soon the whole fairy tale will end if the thief is not stopped. The weight of fairy tales weighs on Skylar and her friends’ shoulders. A bunch of young teenagers who haven't even finished school or training, must save the whole imagination of life!
RAVE REVIEWS
According to Ashley, Tanisha’s book ‘The Gem Heist’ has been earning strong reviews from both critics and readers alike.
Kirkus Reviews described the book as "An enjoyable take on generational fairy tales. Middle-grade readers will find the work highly entertaining." The book also earned the highly coveted “GET IT” accolade from Kirkus.
Reedsy Discovery Reviews rated the book as a “winning combination of briskly paced action, robust imagination, strong writing and rich characterisations, this charming mystery adventure is sure to be a hit with middle grade readers.”
BookLife Reviews said ‘The Gem Heist’ “blends growing-up worries into the classic quest narrative, as the kids must face dangers fantastical and relatable. It’s a thrilling tale that builds to a sweet finale, as the friends find the courage to save the day and follow their dreams.”
Tanisha’s book has also got a 5 Star review score on Amazon, Ashley added.
LOVE FOR WRITING
Ashley said Tanisha started her writing journey after she was inspired by her 5th grade teacher, Emily Buechlein.
“Her 5th grade teacher encouraged her entire 5th grade class to write a book pitch as part of the National Novel Writers Month (NaNoWriMo) in the US,” recalled Ashley.
“Tanisha had the idea of putting the kids of fairytale characters in a mystery story and that is how she came up with the idea for her book.”
Asked about the authors Tanisha admires the most, Ashley replied: “Tanisha loves a good mystery, and her favourite author is Karen M McManus. Tanisha also loves reading the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan and the Maze Runner by James Dashner.”
LOVE FOR GOA
Puvana said Tanisha is fond of Goan culture and traditions.
“Tanisha’s favourite time of the year is the Christmas holidays, where she gets to enjoy many delicious Goan sweets, including Fruit Cake and Kulkuls. Tanisha also has a taste for Goan specialities and helps herself to the largest portion in our home whenever we make Goan Sungta Kodi, Sorpotel and Goan Choris,” said Puvana.
“Tanisha also loves Goan celebrations like the recent get-together with our Goan friends in Charlotte for celebrating Viva Sao Joao.”
Tanisha Pereira along with her family while celebrating Sao Joao at their home in Charlotte-North Carolina in the USA.
NOBLE CAUSE
In recognition of her 5th Grade teacher, Emily Buechlein, who inspired Tanisha to write her book, Puvana said Tanisha decided to donate 10% of all her book sale royalties to the Special Olympics, a cause which is supported by her 5th grade teacher.
Puvana added that Tanisha currently plans to write a sequel to ‘The Gem Heist’ and expand on the plots and relationships with the characters she has created.
“Like a true Goan, she is drawn to the beach and her dream is to one day have a beach home in Malibu, California,” added Puvana.
