emily_claire11's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
book_lover22's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
fell4's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book was wrenching to read. Knowing what this kid had to go through - the racism and homophobia, dealing with OCD... It just reminds me of the people I care about, and what they've had to go through and it makes me so mad. Also, every time a parent accepts their child, it makes me cry, I love books. Especially children's books where things work out. I like how Brent was a foil.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, and Homophobia
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Body shaming, Medical content, and Racial slurs
ocd, wheelchairjkribbit's review against another edition
5.0
What an endearing, heartwarming, charming book! Rahul is determined to find himself, prove himself, and make his bullies back off by becoming THE BEST at something! He’s just not sure what that will be. With the help of his best friend, Chelsea, and his grandfather, Bhai, Rahul gives his all to finding what he is best at. His efforts are so determined and all too often doomed, until he finds the courage to embrace his truth. This book is so funny and so relatable, and Rahul is so lovable! And mixed in with that, it covers some hard topics such as toxic masculinity, sexual orientation, anxiety disorder and OCD, bullying, and learning to be okay in your own skin. I absolutely loved it! Highly recommend!
gabieowleyess's review against another edition
4.0
This was SO WONDERFUL! I'm so excited to have this in my classroom library in the future. There are so many different and wonderful representations in this book. I love it <3
lauriehnatiuk's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
Rahul is entering seventh grade and is a first generation East Indian American, trying to figure out his own identity and how to fit in particularly if he is gay.. He has had difficulties in the past being bullied and his grandfather gives him the advice to find something he’s good at and then become The Best At It. Rahul takes this advice to heart and tries all sorts of things he thinks he could be The Best At from football to modeling but when he isn’t the best self doubt sets in and causes anxiety with counting and checking to see if doors are locked.
This book’s strengths are the many strong relationships. As Rahul is trying to figure out what he is good at and what these feelings for one of the boys in his class means, the people around - seem to already know and support him in his journey. His best friend Chelsea stands by him and walks with him every step, Justin, the boy he stares a little too long stands up for him, and his special relationship with his grandfather who knows all too well what he is going through. Despite tackling some heavy issues such as racism, homophobia, mental health and bullying there is a great deal of humour interspersed that make this a fun realistic read where middle school readers will find themselves somewhere in this story.
Rahul is entering seventh grade and is a first generation East Indian American, trying to figure out his own identity and how to fit in particularly if he is gay.. He has had difficulties in the past being bullied and his grandfather gives him the advice to find something he’s good at and then become The Best At It. Rahul takes this advice to heart and tries all sorts of things he thinks he could be The Best At from football to modeling but when he isn’t the best self doubt sets in and causes anxiety with counting and checking to see if doors are locked.
This book’s strengths are the many strong relationships. As Rahul is trying to figure out what he is good at and what these feelings for one of the boys in his class means, the people around - seem to already know and support him in his journey. His best friend Chelsea stands by him and walks with him every step, Justin, the boy he stares a little too long stands up for him, and his special relationship with his grandfather who knows all too well what he is going through. Despite tackling some heavy issues such as racism, homophobia, mental health and bullying there is a great deal of humour interspersed that make this a fun realistic read where middle school readers will find themselves somewhere in this story.
fieberali's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. A great book for middle schoolers that deals with matters around sexuality, racism, and navigating bullying. I definitely plan on using this book with middle schoolers in the future who could relate to these matters or even just the struggles of “fitting in.”
marinazala's review against another edition
3.0
** Books 04 - 2022 **
3,2 of 5 stars!
CONTAINS WARNINGS : LGBT
I picked this books randomly and turns out enjoyable to read! This books about Rahul who have bestfriend, Chelsea and he tries to discover his sexuality and what is his real ambitions is.
I'd love the idea how the story showcase more People of Color's topics, Friendship between chelsea and Rahul, and also how he try to embraces his sexuality.
3,2 of 5 stars!
CONTAINS WARNINGS : LGBT
I picked this books randomly and turns out enjoyable to read! This books about Rahul who have bestfriend, Chelsea and he tries to discover his sexuality and what is his real ambitions is.
I'd love the idea how the story showcase more People of Color's topics, Friendship between chelsea and Rahul, and also how he try to embraces his sexuality.
justmeandmybooks_'s review against another edition
5.0
this made me cry and I loved it so much and omg
this book honestly meant so much to me, and I just . . . it felt like this big warm hug and I loved it so much
also someone needs to give Rahul a hug please
this book honestly meant so much to me, and I just . . . it felt like this big warm hug and I loved it so much
also someone needs to give Rahul a hug please