About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels paralyzed by the fear of disappointing you or when they are struggling to balance their own burgeoning interests with family obligations. Set against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis, the story follows Karthik, a boy who secretly joins a play while his parents struggle to keep their small grocery store afloat. It is a nuanced look at the immigrant experience, the weight of high expectations, and the quiet courage it takes to pursue an unconventional passion. This middle grade novel is perfect for children ages 10 to 14 who are beginning to navigate their own identities within a tight knit family structure. It offers a gentle yet realistic exploration of how honesty and creativity can actually bridge the gap between generations rather than widen it.
