Blog Archives
Meaningful Journey
Truth Seeker traces the life of Zoroaster, blending legend, humor, and moral reflection as readers watch him grow into a teacher who challenges superstition and fear. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Toni Morrison once said, “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” I was searching for an accessible, engaging book about Zoroastrianism for young readers, and I realized there weren’t many resources that introduced this ancient faith in a way children could connect with.
I wanted to create a story that would open a door for young readers—not only for those interested in Zoroastrianism, but for anyone curious about wisdom, kindness, and the search for truth. This book took me nearly 20 years to complete, but I am grateful that I was able to finally bring this story to life.
Why did you choose to frame the story as playful historical fiction instead of a more straightforward biography?
Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest faith traditions, but it is still unfamiliar to many people. My goal was to introduce young readers to its values without making the story feel like a lesson or a lecture.
I chose historical fiction because stories allow children to connect emotionally with a person and a time period. Through humor, imagination, and adventure, readers can experience Zoroaster’s curiosity, his questions, and his journey toward wisdom.
Joy and laughter are important elements of Zoroastrian thought, and I felt that a playful approach reflected both the spirit of the tradition and the curiosity of young readers.
Was it important to show Zoroaster as someone who grows into wisdom gradually, through questioning and discomfort?
Definitely. I wanted young readers to see that even people who become great thinkers and teachers are not born with all the answers. They learn, question, struggle, and grow.
Zoroaster’s journey shows that asking difficult questions and seeking truth requires courage. I hope young readers understand that uncertainty is part of every meaningful journey, and that one person’s choices can help create a better world.
When young readers finish Truth Seeker and remember one lesson from Zoroaster’s life, what do you hope it is?
I hope they remember the importance of seeking truth, thinking independently, and staying true to their values.
Zoroaster’s message reminds us that truth is not always the easiest path, but choosing honesty, kindness, and wisdom can make a meaningful difference in the world.
Most importantly, I hope readers leave the book feeling inspired to ask questions, think deeply, and practice Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds in their own lives.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Blending history with a dash of magical realism and plenty of warm, kid-friendly humor, Truth Seeker: The Story of Zoroaster follows one of the world’s greatest thinkers as he discovers ideas far ahead of his time—freedom of choice, kindness toward all living beings, nature of divine and caring for the earth (long before recycling bins were cool).
Perfect for curious kids ages 8–12 who love adventure, big ideas, and stories that mix history, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Great for classrooms, libraries, and anyone who’s ever wondered where our earliest ideas about truth, wisdom, and justice came from.
Plus, at the back of the book, kids can test their wits with fun word games, scavenger hunts, and puzzles inspired by Zoroaster’s world.
Whether you’re a young reader, a teacher, a history nerd, or a grown-up who secretly loves middle-grade books (no judgment), this story is packed with courage, laughs, and the reminder that determination—and a brave heart—can make all the difference.
Truth Seeker: The Story of Zoroaster
Truth Seeker: The Story of Zoroaster tells the story of Zoroaster from his mother Dugdav’s frightening vision to his own lifelong search for truth, kindness, wisdom, and justice. Author Rebecca DesPrez frames the book as playful historical fiction for ages 8–12 rather than a strict biography, blending legend, imagination, humor, and moral reflection as Zoroaster grows from a laughing baby into a teacher whose ideas challenge cruelty, superstition, and fear.
I liked how much heart this book has. As a parent, I’m always drawn to stories that trust children with big ideas, and this one does. It talks about fear, social rejection, animal cruelty, courage, and moral choice without becoming heavy in a way that would shut a young reader out. The writing has a bouncy, conversational energy, with jokes tucked into serious moments, and that helps soften the darker scenes. Sometimes the humor is broad, almost goofy. I appreciated that the silliness never erased the emotional core. Zoroaster’s compassion for animals, his restlessness around injustice, and his insistence on asking hard questions all felt genuinely moving.
The artwork by Vishwamohini Sengupta adds a gentle, storybook warmth to the book. The images have a soft, rounded quality that makes even the mythic scenes feel accessible, especially the glowing figures, animals, village settings, and palace moments. I found the illustrations especially effective when they brought calm into the story, like visual pauses between danger, exile, storms, and confrontation. The book’s ideas are also unusually rich for a children’s picture book: truth over lies, kindness over cruelty, wisdom over fear, and the courage to stand apart from the crowd. I liked that it doesn’t reduce Zoroaster to a distant historical figure. It imagines him first as a child who notices suffering, asks questions, and can’t quite accept easy answers.
Truth Seeker is thoughtful, lively, and emotionally sincere. It’s not a quiet bedtime book, exactly; it has too much adventure, danger, and mischievous humor for that. But it’s the kind of book I’d want to read with a child and talk about afterward, especially because the back matter offers discussion questions, activities, and historical context for families and teachers. I’d recommend it for curious middle-grade readers, especially kids who enjoy ancient history, moral questions, animal-centered moments, and stories about brave people who keep choosing goodness even when the world pushes back.
Pages: 86 | ASIN : B0GTNJKB5Q
