The Best at It

by Maulik Pancholy (Author)

The Best at It
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Rahul Kapoor is heading into seventh grade in a small town in Indiana. The start of middle school is making him feel increasingly anxious, so his favorite person in the whole world, his grandfather, Bhai, gives him some well-meaning advice: Find one thing you're really good at and become the BEST at it.

Those four little words sear themselves into Rahul's brain. While he's not quite sure what that special thing is, he is convinced that once he finds it, bullies like Brent Mason will stop torturing him at school. And he won't be worried about staring too long at his classmate Justin Emery. With his best friend, Chelsea, by his side, Rahul is ready to crush this challenge.... But what if he discovers he isn't the best at anything?

Funny, charming, and incredibly touching, this is a story about friendship, family, and the courage it takes to live your truth.

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Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

Actor and debut author Pancholy draws from his own experiences as a young Indian American to create this funny, uplifting story about identity. Twelve-year-old Rahul Kapoor lives in Indiana with his parents, his younger brother, and Bhai, his grandfather, who uses a wheelchair and "has a Mr. Rogers-worthy supply of cardigans." When an obnoxious kid at school taunts Rahul for his inadequacies and questions his sexuality, Rahul decides he must prove to himself, and the world, that he is the best at something. With help from his steadfast friend, Chelsea, and the wisdom and encouragement of Bhai, Rahul begins to learn--after some amusing, misguided failures--who he really is and what he's actually good at doing. Rahul also navigates anxiety and probable OCD, and with wit and sensitivity, Pancholy charts his rocky path to pride in his layered identity. Rahul finds unconditional acceptance with his family and friends, which sends a powerful, positive message to young readers about choosing self-acceptance. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-7--When rising seventh grader Rahul Kapoor panics about fitting in at middle school, his grandfather tells him to find something he's really good at and be the best at it. But Rahul finds that difficult. Could he be the best at football? At acting? At math? Adding to Rahul's anxiety, his macho Indian uncles keep suggesting that he might be gay, and neighborhood bully Brent taunts him about it, too. Rahul's struggles will resonate with many kids. He works hard to come to terms with liking boys while having anxiety about being good at things, being well liked, and being Indian American in a small, predominantly white town. Rahul is a compelling protagonist, and his challenges ring true. Sometimes Pancholy talks around topics: though the book ends with Rahul coming out to his friends and family, his being gay was only previously mentioned in vague terms, primarily as an insult from Brent. Similarly, though Rahul exhibits some signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety, they are only briefly addressed near the end, when Rahul's dad decides to take him to a therapist. While the writing is always engaging, it is at times challenging to hold on to the many narrative threads. VERDICT Hand this to middle grade readers who are navigating changing social dynamics as they come of age.--Kelsey Socha, Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield, MA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"A funny, fun, big-hearted book filled with characters to adore. Rahul's journey toward learning to stand up for himself and finding his place in the world is achingly emotionally authentic and deeply resonant. This novel is a joy from beginning to end."—Anne Ursu, award-winning author of Breadcrumbs and The Lost Girl
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780062866417
Lexile Measure
620
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Balzer & Bray/Harperteen
Publication date
October 08, 2019
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
JUV011020 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Asian American
JUV039230 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Bullying
JUV039020 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Adolescence
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
Library of Congress categories
Identity
Identity (Psychology)
Families
Family life
Schools
Bullying
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Bullying
Middle schools
East Indian Americans
Indiana
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Adolescenc
Anxiety
Stonewall Book Award
Honor Book 2020 - 2020

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