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mrskatiefitz's review against another edition
3.0
At Community, her private school, Sonia Nadhamuni, who is both half Indian and half Jewish, feels accepted by her peers, and never questions her identity. When her dad loses his job, however, Sonia must leave the safety of her beloved school and enroll at the public school, where suddenly everything is unfamiliar and no one understands her cultural identity. As she struggles to find her place among popular girls and cheerleaders, she must also face her father’s fragility as he falls into a deep depression and goes missing.
Though the writing in this book is very good, stylistically speaking, the story’s main message contradicts itself in one very significant way. In its attempts to dispel certain stereotypes about race and religion, it actually perpetuates other misconceptions, mainly about public schools and the ability of kids to accept their peers’ cultural beliefs and practices. The story comes down very heavily on public schools, and portrays Sonia’s particular school as a place filled with self-centered, racist, spoiled brats who don’t know the difference between American Indians and Indians, and who can’t be bothered to learn how to pronounce her last name. In the public school, only cheerleaders can be popular, and to fit in, girls are expected to play spin the bottle and kiss boys, whether they want to or not. By contrast, Sonia’s old school is presented as a utopian bubble. Everyone at Community knows how to say Sonia’s name, and no one has ever questioned her about her skin tone, religious practices, or any other aspect of her identity. Neither school comes across as authentic, and I think most kids, regardless of which type of school they attend, would recognize that fact and maybe even find it offensive.
Sonia is a believable character, however. Her struggle to accept her parents’ differing backgrounds and her own assimilation of their two cultures is interesting and relevant. Her challenges in dealing with her dad’s depression are also handled nicely, and in a way that explores the issue without sounding like an after school special. I did wonder how the two main storylines - Sonia’s acceptance of her identity, and her dad’s depression - were meant to fit together, but even without figuring out the connection, I was still invested in both.
This book is a welcome addition to the growing list of middle grade realistic fiction novels about girls of color, but it could have done a better job addressing the issues of race and culture without completely vilifying Sonia’s peers, or relying on tired, predictable stereotypes about middle school life.
Other books with similar themes include: Schooled by Gordon Korman, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, and The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Chang. For a more lighthearted celebration of Indian culture, also check out The Grand Plan to Fix Everything by Uma Krishnaswami.
Though the writing in this book is very good, stylistically speaking, the story’s main message contradicts itself in one very significant way. In its attempts to dispel certain stereotypes about race and religion, it actually perpetuates other misconceptions, mainly about public schools and the ability of kids to accept their peers’ cultural beliefs and practices. The story comes down very heavily on public schools, and portrays Sonia’s particular school as a place filled with self-centered, racist, spoiled brats who don’t know the difference between American Indians and Indians, and who can’t be bothered to learn how to pronounce her last name. In the public school, only cheerleaders can be popular, and to fit in, girls are expected to play spin the bottle and kiss boys, whether they want to or not. By contrast, Sonia’s old school is presented as a utopian bubble. Everyone at Community knows how to say Sonia’s name, and no one has ever questioned her about her skin tone, religious practices, or any other aspect of her identity. Neither school comes across as authentic, and I think most kids, regardless of which type of school they attend, would recognize that fact and maybe even find it offensive.
Sonia is a believable character, however. Her struggle to accept her parents’ differing backgrounds and her own assimilation of their two cultures is interesting and relevant. Her challenges in dealing with her dad’s depression are also handled nicely, and in a way that explores the issue without sounding like an after school special. I did wonder how the two main storylines - Sonia’s acceptance of her identity, and her dad’s depression - were meant to fit together, but even without figuring out the connection, I was still invested in both.
This book is a welcome addition to the growing list of middle grade realistic fiction novels about girls of color, but it could have done a better job addressing the issues of race and culture without completely vilifying Sonia’s peers, or relying on tired, predictable stereotypes about middle school life.
Other books with similar themes include: Schooled by Gordon Korman, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, and The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Chang. For a more lighthearted celebration of Indian culture, also check out The Grand Plan to Fix Everything by Uma Krishnaswami.
eve_polvay11's review against another edition
4.0
“For everything that reminds me of who I am, there's always something reminding me of who I'm not.”
This book was exceptional. It took a good look at what identity means as well as the effect your family has on it. This book touches on many middle grade taboo topics such as questioning your religion, biracial culture, mental health, and much more.
I though the segregation at the lunch tables was portrayed realistically. Unfortunately, many schools are segregated by race as was seen with the popular white girls like Kate and Jessica and with Alisha, the black girl from a disadvantaged community.
As a child of a catholic mom and a Jewish dad, I could relate to many of the internal struggles Sonia faced. I struggled with why my parents had chosen to raise me as a catholic instead of Jewish, and whether that effected my dad in negative ways. I often wonder if I would have turned out differently if I was raised in my dad's religion or if I had the liberty to choose for myself.
I was not expecting this book to be middle grade when I first started, but I found it to be a refreshing break from the many YA tropes that have been filling my recent reads. I was delighted to see the representation of marginalized groups and going into an examination of what it meant to be part of those groups and stuck in between. Albeit, the reflection was a bit surface level, but elementary and middle schoolers probably wouldn't have been able to understand otherwise.
I found Sonia's relationship with Kate and her family to be an interesting one. I was puzzled at first at why the author seemed to be portraying Kate's mom as worse than she actually is. It's implied that she's a shopaholic, and maybe she's a little shallow, but she also has a lot of other redeeming qualities; Kate's mother certainly isn't anti-semitic, which is implied by Sonia's mother's reaction. This was until I figured out that the author was trying to show that Sonia's can be judgmental and inclined to prejudice also. I fear the point may have been too subtle for younger readers who may think Jackie is a bad person while in reality both are mothers are just complex.
I feel that it is important that these topics are introduced to readers of this age because while I did mention many of them were taboo in middle grade, they're often avoided in today's society also.
This book was exceptional. It took a good look at what identity means as well as the effect your family has on it. This book touches on many middle grade taboo topics such as questioning your religion, biracial culture, mental health, and much more.
I though the segregation at the lunch tables was portrayed realistically. Unfortunately, many schools are segregated by race as was seen with the popular white girls like Kate and Jessica and with Alisha, the black girl from a disadvantaged community.
As a child of a catholic mom and a Jewish dad, I could relate to many of the internal struggles Sonia faced. I struggled with why my parents had chosen to raise me as a catholic instead of Jewish, and whether that effected my dad in negative ways. I often wonder if I would have turned out differently if I was raised in my dad's religion or if I had the liberty to choose for myself.
I was not expecting this book to be middle grade when I first started, but I found it to be a refreshing break from the many YA tropes that have been filling my recent reads. I was delighted to see the representation of marginalized groups and going into an examination of what it meant to be part of those groups and stuck in between. Albeit, the reflection was a bit surface level, but elementary and middle schoolers probably wouldn't have been able to understand otherwise.
I found Sonia's relationship with Kate and her family to be an interesting one. I was puzzled at first at why the author seemed to be portraying Kate's mom as worse than she actually is. It's implied that she's a shopaholic, and maybe she's a little shallow, but she also has a lot of other redeeming qualities; Kate's mother certainly isn't anti-semitic, which is implied by Sonia's mother's reaction. This was until I figured out that the author was trying to show that Sonia's can be judgmental and inclined to prejudice also. I fear the point may have been too subtle for younger readers who may think Jackie is a bad person while in reality both are mothers are just complex.
I feel that it is important that these topics are introduced to readers of this age because while I did mention many of them were taboo in middle grade, they're often avoided in today's society also.
salemprince's review
4.0
I received this ARC through Netgalley.
I loved this book from the beginning. I read it in two sittings. The writing is great and is perfect for young adults. The characters are all easy to relate too and are well-developed. I liked that this book focused on someone who is half of so many things and is trying to figure out who she is. As a teacher I see so many students of mixed heritage who don't know what to call themselves. One of my favorite parts of the book is when someone asks Sonia what she is and she says, "I'm a girl." I would definitely recommend this book to my students in the future!
I loved this book from the beginning. I read it in two sittings. The writing is great and is perfect for young adults. The characters are all easy to relate too and are well-developed. I liked that this book focused on someone who is half of so many things and is trying to figure out who she is. As a teacher I see so many students of mixed heritage who don't know what to call themselves. One of my favorite parts of the book is when someone asks Sonia what she is and she says, "I'm a girl." I would definitely recommend this book to my students in the future!
gardenjess's review against another edition
3.0
Didn't love this one, although parts of it were cute. The scene of spin the bottle annoyed me, and I think could have had a stronger message behind it after the boy made her kiss him. Interesting look at a middle school aged girl growing up 1/2 Indian, and half Jewish while navigating issues of parental depression, parental job loss, and a new school.
themaddiest's review against another edition
4.0
For Sonia Nadhamuni, life is pretty good until her dad loses his job. She’s pulled out of her tiny private school and tossed into a public middle school where kids question her half-Indian, half-Jewish heritage. As Sonia tries to navigate the complicated world of popular kids and unpopular kids, she struggles to decipher where her true friends lie. Things aren’t great at home, either–with her dad out of work, the family has new challenges to face.
Veera Hiranandani has crafted a coming-of-age novel for the middle grade reader that is full of sharp observations about cultural identity and the inherent awkwardness of adolescence. Sonia is a character who is grappling with adult issues while still in the late stages of childhood. As she works to understand her own cultural identity, her dad’s clinical depression, and how she is seen by her predominantly white classmates, the reader is treated to multifaceted characters, gentle humor, and keen observations about life in middle school.
What could easily be an “issue” novel in another author’s hands never crosses into that territory here. In fact, Girl is careful to never offer tidy solutions or compartmentalize its characters or their situations. Instead, Hiranandani allows Sonia to be original and observant, creating a depth that is so often lacking in books for middle-grade readers. This book is not always easy to read–it allows Sonia’s life to get messy without offering really satisfying solutions–but the richness of the writing and the characters make it a book which one cannot put down.
Highly, highly recommended to readers of MG and YA alike. This is an important book featuring a smart, strong female of color. Hiranandani is an author to watch. The book is out now.
The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani. Delacorte Books for Young Readers: 2012. Electronic galley accepted for review via NetGalley.
Veera Hiranandani has crafted a coming-of-age novel for the middle grade reader that is full of sharp observations about cultural identity and the inherent awkwardness of adolescence. Sonia is a character who is grappling with adult issues while still in the late stages of childhood. As she works to understand her own cultural identity, her dad’s clinical depression, and how she is seen by her predominantly white classmates, the reader is treated to multifaceted characters, gentle humor, and keen observations about life in middle school.
What could easily be an “issue” novel in another author’s hands never crosses into that territory here. In fact, Girl is careful to never offer tidy solutions or compartmentalize its characters or their situations. Instead, Hiranandani allows Sonia to be original and observant, creating a depth that is so often lacking in books for middle-grade readers. This book is not always easy to read–it allows Sonia’s life to get messy without offering really satisfying solutions–but the richness of the writing and the characters make it a book which one cannot put down.
Highly, highly recommended to readers of MG and YA alike. This is an important book featuring a smart, strong female of color. Hiranandani is an author to watch. The book is out now.
The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani. Delacorte Books for Young Readers: 2012. Electronic galley accepted for review via NetGalley.
kaikamahine's review against another edition
4.0
This is absolutely a story I would have loved to have in my life at age twelve.
katherinevarga's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe I should wait for the tears to dry before I write this review, or maybe not. I loved this book. It's my favorite type of middle grade novel: all of the nuance and coming-of-age-ness of YA, but none of the gimmicks or romance.
When Sonia's dad loses her job, she has to leave her cozy hippie private school for a predominantly white public school that busses in inner city black students, who all sit at the same table. I haven't read many middle grade novels that acknowledge that type of self-segregation amongst children, especially through the eyes of a biracial girl trying to figure out where she belongs. We also get Sonia's young and frank perspectives on class privilege, religious identity, and watching her father struggle with depression.
Even though Sonia acts like an angsty teenager, I felt for her and with her. My preteen years were nothing like Sonia's and yet Hiranandani's writing was so vivid that this book gave me dreams about my own middle school experience.
I wish there was more about Alisha, and more to the ending, and just more in general. But overall I feel so fortunate this book caught my eye at the library. I would've loved this book in middle school and I love it now.
When Sonia's dad loses her job, she has to leave her cozy hippie private school for a predominantly white public school that busses in inner city black students, who all sit at the same table. I haven't read many middle grade novels that acknowledge that type of self-segregation amongst children, especially through the eyes of a biracial girl trying to figure out where she belongs. We also get Sonia's young and frank perspectives on class privilege, religious identity, and watching her father struggle with depression.
Even though Sonia acts like an angsty teenager, I felt for her and with her. My preteen years were nothing like Sonia's and yet Hiranandani's writing was so vivid that this book gave me dreams about my own middle school experience.
I wish there was more about Alisha, and more to the ending, and just more in general. But overall I feel so fortunate this book caught my eye at the library. I would've loved this book in middle school and I love it now.
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