Red, White, and Whole

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By Rajani LaRocca

Publisher Description

Newbery Honor Book! A heartbreakingly hopeful novel in verse about an Indian American girl whose life is turned upside down when her mother is diagnosed with leukemia.

* Walter Award Winner * New England Book Award Winner * An NCTE Notable Verse Novel * Golden Kite Award Winner * Crystal Kite Award Winner * Goodreads Choice Nominee * A Washington Post Best Children's Book of the Year * An SLJ Best Book of the Year * A BookPage Best Book of the Year * An NYPL Best Book of the Year * A Mighty Girl's Best Book of the Year * An ILA Notable Book for a Global Society * A Bank Street Best Book of the Year *Junior Library Guild Selection * A Judy Lopez Memorial Award Honor *

Reha feels torn between two worlds: school, where she’s the only Indian American student, and home, with her family’s traditions and holidays. But Reha’s parents don’t understand why she’s conflicted—they only notice when Reha doesn’t meet their strict expectations. Reha feels disconnected from her mother, or Amma. Although their names are linked—Reha means “star” and Punam means “moon”—they are a universe apart.

Then Reha finds out that her Amma is sick. Really sick.

Reha, who dreams of becoming a doctor even though she can’t stomach the sight of blood, is determined to make her Amma well again. She’ll be the perfect daughter, if it means saving her Amma’s life.

From Indies Introduce author Rajani LaRocca comes a radiant story about the ties that bind and how to go on in the face of unthinkable loss. This is the perfect next read for fans of Jasmine Warga and Thanhhà Lại.

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Red, White, and Whole Reviews

4.0

Lisa Hocking

Created 2 months ago

Allie P

Created 2 months ago

brisbookadventures

Created 3 months ago

“Red, White, and Whole is a tender coming-of-age story told through verse, following Reha, a first-generation Indian American girl in the 1980s. She lives in the space between two worlds—her parents’ expectations steeped in tradition and the pull of her American classmates. Just as she struggles to find where she belongs, her mother’s sudden illness reshapes everything, forcing Reha to hold family and identity closer than ever. The characters feel vivid even in the sparseness of prose. Reha is sensitive, loyal, and achingly relatable; her mother, Amma, is both strict and deeply loving, with her illness becoming the emotional heart of the book; and Appa, her father, quietly grounds the family with his steady care. The dual pressures of friendship, culture, and family love create a story that is deeply human and universally resonant. Themes of identity, belonging, love, and loss thread through every poem. The cultural tug-of-war Reha feels—between her Indian roots and American world—was portrayed with honesty and tenderness, and her bond with her mother is both heart-wrenching and unforgettable. Narrated by Priya Ayyar, the audiobook carries warmth and nuance, making the poetry feel immediate and alive. Final thoughts: I really enjoyed how this book was written in prose—I’ve not read a novel told quite like this before and admire how beautifully Rajani LaRocca crafted it. As a child of the 1980s, I resonated with many of the details, especially the poem Mix Tape, which brought back memories of sitting by the radio for hours trying to record favourite songs, getting my first Walkman, and listening to tapes every chance I could. I highly recommend this moving, heartfelt, and memorable read, especially in dual format (audio alongside the physical copy).”

Believable Change and grow Diverse representation Multilayered Strong relationships Well-structured Realistic Setting fits the story Beautifully-written Descriptive Original Grief

Nursebooksgalore

Created 3 months ago

“⭐️⭐️⭐️ Red, White, and Whole is a beautifully written novel in verse that tugged at my heart. Rajani LaRocca captures the struggles of growing up caught between two cultures—Reha’s American life at school and her Indian heritage at home—in such an authentic, emotional way. The verse style made the story flow so naturally, and every word carried so much weight. Reha’s voice felt honest and raw, especially as she navigates friendship, identity, and the heartbreaking reality of her mother’s illness. I found myself deeply moved by the way love, sacrifice, and family were woven into the story. It’s a tender, powerful book that lingers long after finishing. A story about belonging, love, and loss that’s perfect for both middle grade readers and adults alike.”

Kerri

Created 3 months ago

About Rajani LaRocca

Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in Massachusetts, where she practices medicine and writes award-winning books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor–winning novel in verse, Red, White, and Whole. She’s always been an omnivorous reader, and now she is an omnivorous writer of novels and picture books, fiction and nonfiction, in prose and poetry. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, she lives outside Boston with her family. Visit her at rajanilarocca.com.