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Rajani LaRocca

Red, White, and Whole

Rajani LaRoccaFiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Middle Grade | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Rajani LaRocca

Red, White, and Whole

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Middle Grade | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1980s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.6

7,571 ratings

90%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Red, White, and Whole?

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.

4.6

7,571 ratings

90%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1980s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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