Count Me In

Varsha Bajaj’s Count Me In (2019) is a middle grade novel set in contemporary Houston, Texas. Written in the first person, its chapters alternate between the perspectives of main characters Karina Chopra and Chris Daniels. The last thing Karina and Chris expect is to become friends—that is, until Karina’s grandfather tutors Chris in math. After the characters are violently attacked by a racist man on the street, Karina and Chris learn how to stand up for themselves and to support one another with the help of their friends and family. The novel explores themes including Self-Advocacy and Resilience, the Power of Friendship and Community, and Tolerance and Acceptance.

This guide refers to the 2022 Nancy Paulsen Books paperback edition of the novel.

Content Warning: The novel contains references to and descriptions of racism and anti-immigrant violence.

Plot Summary

Karina Chopra and Chris Daniels have been next-door neighbors since the third grade. They ride the bus together and have had some classes together in the past, but have never been friends. When they start seventh grade at Spring Hill Middle School in Houston, Texas, they’re both horrified to discover that they’re in numerous classes together.