Meet Arnav Goel, a cheerful Class 6 student at Apeejay School, Pitampura, who doesn’t just read stories—he lives them. A proud member of the Readers Club at his school, Arnav’s bookshelves at home are full with more than 200 books having the likes of Sudha Murty, C.S. Lewis, Rick Riordan, and even his own fantasy adventure novella-The Mystical Powers of Jade. For him, books are not homework—they are treasure maps, magical doors, and secret companions. In this free-flowing conversation, Arnav opens up about his journey as a reader, his love for fantasy, and why he believes finding the “right book” can turn anyone into a reader.
Arnav! What are your most favourite books?
I have so many! Currently I’m enjoying The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru. I’ve also finished the entire Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, and I’m intending to read the Tom Gates series by Liz Pichon next.
And who are your favourite authors?
Rick Riordan tops the list—his Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles are amazing. I also love Sudha Murty, Liz Pichon, and of course C.S. Lewis.
Which style of books excite you the most?
Anything! Diaries, comics, short stories. But my heart belongs to fantasy and magic. I’ve read Harry Potter so many times that I’ve lost count.
When did your love for reading begin?
It all started with my father reading Amar Chitra Katha comics to me. Then one day, my sister handed me Grandma’s Bag of Stories by Sudha Murty. I read A Kingdom of Fools from it—and I was hooked forever. That’s the book that made me fall in love with reading.
You’re not just a reader, you’re also a writer! Tell us about your book.
Yes! My novella is called The Mystical Powers of Jade. It’s a fantasy story about a young wizard, Jade, who must defeat a Dark Lord with the power of five elements. It’s the first in a series I want to write.
And how does Apeejay Pitampura encourage your passion?
The Readers Club is a big help, though I want to expand it. Reading deserves more fans! My teachers and Principal Ma’am encourage me a lot. My friends joke that I read so much that’s why I score so well in exams.
I also have my library period every Thursday where I issue so many new books and return the books I have read within the week. I wish there was a library period everyday! It is simply my happy place.
What’s your vision for creating more readers among the students?
I believe anyone can fall in love with books if they find the “right book.” Once that happens, there’s no going back! If every student spends 20% of their screen time reading a book, it will help develop the habit and passion for reading.
Finally, what are the hobbies that occupy your time?
I love solving the Rubik’s Cube and am also passionate about music.