Author: Maulik Pancholy
LGBTQ+ Representation: Main character is questioning/gay
What it’s about (in 75 words or fewer): Rahul has a great family (even if his dad's Bollywood Supply band and his mom's excitement over the International bazaar are overwhelming) and, along with his bestie Chelsea, is excited to start seventh grade. Rahul's beloved grandfather, Bhai, advises Rahul to find one thing and "be the best at it." Rahul works to find his "best," deals with growing anxiety, avoids the neighborhood bully, and wills himself NOT to stare too much at cute Justin.
What I think (in 250 words or fewer): I tried super hard to write in a professional voice about the merits of this book: its sensitive portrayals of mental illnesses, questioning sexuality, celebrating Indian culture in majority white small-town Indiana (where I spent my childhood), inter-generational relationships, dealing with middle school bullies, and the correlation of athletic success to high self esteem in youth.
See? I could be a reference librarian.
However, I'd rather gush about the awesomeness that is Rahul! And to anyone who thinks that his lack of athleticism is slapstick or unrealistic; I would like to introduce you to me. I also wanted to be the best at sports, but like Rahul, the academic teams (although not math) were what I excelled in. And his sadness at not getting the very highest prize? I could tell him to relax, but that would be the pot calling the kettle black. (I just earned 99.5% and 98% in my graduate classes. BOOM!).
Rahul's parents. grandfather, and various aunties and uncles were hilarious and touching; they are nothing like Lilly Singh's Indian family members she plays in her videos, but you should watch them anyway.
Like many preteens, Rahul is embarrassed by his family, but the way everyone reacted and participated in the International Bazaar was [spoiler deleted]. My heart broke for Rahul after what happens at the dance, and I literally cheered when he stands up to Brent and [spoiler deleted]!
I'm embarrassed to admit that I did not know about Holi until I read this book.
This book is on the 2020 Rainbow Book List.
My final takeaway (in 75 words or fewer): When I discovered that the author is Baljeet in Phineas and Ferb, I kept picturing Rahul as Baljeet. My most-frequently-quoted Baljeet line (said whenever I add spices to food), is here at 1:25: "It's curry. It's not inherently evil."
In conclusion, stop what you're doing, read The Best at It, and listen to The Baljeatles.
Also, I would pay big money to see a Bollywood-inspired Air Supply cover band.
Memorable quotes/passages from the book:
- "It's like I'm paralyzed or something. For some reason, every fiber of my being suddenly feels like I need to check whether the front door is locked. Like maybe when all the aunties and uncles left, Mom and Dad might have just pulled the door shut behind them and forgotten to lock it" (pg. 51).
- "If you dedicate yourself to something and become the best at it, then nobody can stop you" (pg. 63-64).
- "And no matter who you are. Your mom and I will always love you" (pg. 307).
- "Being different is what makes us fun, remember?" (pg. 308).
Other reviews: Publisher's Weekly and Watch. Connect. Read.
If you liked this book, you should read Middle School's a Drag, The Cardboard Kingdom, and The Whispers.
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| This book is available here: https://library.greensboro-nc.gov/ |
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| Learn more about the Rainbow Book List here: http://www.ala.org/rt/glbtrt |
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