Books of Wonder

American as Paneer Pie

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“[A] charming novel [that] explores the complexity of immigration and identity.” —Teen Vogue

An Indian American girl navigates prejudice in her small town and learns the power of her own voice in this brilliant gem of a middle grade novel full of humor and heart, perfect for fans of Front Desk and Amina’s Voice.

As the only Indian American kid in her small town, Lekha Divekar feels like she has two versions of herself: Home Lekha, who loves watching Bollywood movies and eating Indian food, and School Lekha, who pins her hair over her bindi birthmark and avoids confrontation at all costs, especially when someone teases her for being Indian.

When a girl Lekha’s age moves in across the street, Lekha is excited to hear that her name is Avantika and she’s Desi, too! Finally, there will be someone else around who gets it. But as soon as Avantika speaks, Lekha realizes she has an accent. She’s new to this country, and not at all like Lekha.

To Lekha’s surprise, Avantika does not feel the same way as Lekha about having two separate lives or about the bullying at school. Avantika doesn’t take the bullying quietly. And she proudly displays her culture no matter where she is: at home or at school.

When a racist incident rocks Lekha’s community, Lekha realizes she must make a choice: continue to remain silent or find her voice before it’s too late.

Customer Reviews (4.6 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Evelyn R. ★★★★★

The way this novel weaves prejudice and identity into a small-town story feels so real, and I loved how the main character’s voice grows stronger with every chapter. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish the last page.

James D. ★★★★★

The way it handles the girl’s quiet moments of self-doubt against the town’s loud prejudice felt so real, and that Teen Vogue quote about identity is spot on. I finished it feeling like I’d lived in her head for a while, which is exactly what I want from a story like this.

Penelope M. ★★★★★

I read it in two sittings because the immigration and identity themes hit so close to home. Mila's journey through her small town's prejudice feels painfully real, and watching her find her voice by the last chapter genuinely moved me.