Scan barcode
jackelz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
"I am half Indian, half Jewish, and now I'm half a cheerleader!"
After her father loses his job, Sonia Nadhamuni finds herself yanked out of private school and thrown into the unfamiliar world of public education. For the first time, Sonia's mixed heritage makes her classmates ask questions — questions she doesn't always know how to answer. She’s trying to make new friends, while also adjusting to having an out-of-work parent.
And she begins to wonder whether her two halves, no matter how different, can make her a whole.
Sonia was such relatable character. Everyone in her new school was separated by black or white, and she wasn’t sure where she fit in. She asked the burning question Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? (sn: Everyone needs to read that book!) Did you know Indians were considered Caucasians? I didn’t.
This story was definitely giving me Mean Girls vibes, but better. I thought the author did a fantastic job challenging microaggressions and having the tough conversations. I loved the themes of cultural identity, family, and friendship, and the discussion of mental health.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Racism, and Racial slurs
More...