logo

66 pages 2 hours read

Red, White, and Whole

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

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
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

Roundup icon

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

Roundup icon

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

Character List

Reha

A 13-year-old girl navigating the challenges of balancing her Indian cultural heritage with her American upbringing. She is academically inclined, especially in biology, and dreams of becoming a doctor.

Reha's caring mother, originally from India, who works in a hematology lab in America. She is emotionally intelligent and reassures Reha through challenging experiences.

Reha's father, an engineer from Bangalore, who is supportive yet relies heavily on his wife and community for domestic affairs. He is kind and deeply affected by his family's struggles.

Reha's maternal aunt who resides in Bangalore and shares a close bond with Amma. She is devoted to her family and travels to America to support her sister during a difficult time.

Reha's close friend from an Indian family, who navigates her dual cultural identity with relative ease and supports Reha through life's challenges.

A smart boy in Reha's English class who asks insightful questions and is dealing with his parents' divorce. He offers Reha friendship and understanding.

One of Reha's best friends who attends the same private school and shares similar interests. She represents Reha's connection to American culture and supports her friend with maturity.

The physician treating Reha's mother, known for her clear communication and compassion. She becomes an inspiring figure for Reha, demonstrating dedication to her patients and their families.

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

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.