66 pages • 2 hours read
224
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
United States • 1980s
2021
Middle grade
10-14 years
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca is a 2021 middle-grade novel, written in verse, that follows 13-year-old Reha as she navigates the challenges of balancing her Indian heritage with her American adolescence in the Midwest during 1983. Her world is upended when her mother is diagnosed with leukemia, compelling Reha to grapple with cultural identity, family responsibilities, and the intense emotions of impending loss. The novel addresses grief and loss after the death of a parent, as well as brief references to racism and discrimination.
Emotional
Heartwarming
Melancholic
Inspirational
Nostalgic
7,571 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rajani LaRocca's Red, White, and Whole is a poignant middle-grade novel in verse that explores cultural identity and family bonds through the eyes of Reha, an Indian American girl. The narrative is praised for its emotional depth and lyrical prose. Some critics note that the pacing could deter less engaged readers, but overall, it delivers a heartfelt and impactful story.
Readers who enjoyed the heartfelt authenticity of Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai or the poignant cultural exploration in The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani will appreciate Red, White, and Whole. Rajani LaRocca crafts a deeply emotional narrative about identity, family, and cultural heritage that's perfect for middle-grade readers.
7,571 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
224
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
United States • 1980s
2021
Middle grade
10-14 years
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