Book details
The Whole Story of Half a Girl
Description
What greater praise than to be compared to Judy Blume!--"Each [Blume and Hiranandani] excels in charting the fluctuating discomfort zones of adolescent identity with affectionate humor."--Kirkus Reviews, StarredAfter her father loses his job, Sonia Nadhamuni, half Indian and half Jewish American, finds herself yanked out of private school and thrown into the unfamiliar world of public education. For the first time, Sonia's mixed heritage makes her classmates ask questionsquestions Sonia doesn't always know how to answeras she navigates between a group of popular girls who want her to try out for the cheerleading squad and other students who aren't part of the "in" crowd. At the same time that Sonia is trying to make new friends, she's dealing with what it means to have an out-of-work parentit's hard for her family to adjust to their changed circumstances. And then, one day, Sonia's father goes missing. Now Sonia wonders if she ever really knew him. As she begins to look for answers, she must decide what really matters and who her true friends areand whether her two halves, no matter how different, can make her a whole.From the Hardcover edition.
Age
10-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
224 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Exploration: The book provides a nuanced exploration of cultural identity, as it follows the story of Sonia, a girl of Indian and Jewish-American heritage. Readers can gain insight into the challenges and beauty of navigating a bicultural family and identity.
- Important Themes: 'The Whole Story of Half a Girl' addresses important themes such as bullying, mental health, and the search for belonging. These themes are relevant to many young readers and can help them understand and empathize with others facing similar issues.
- Character Development: The protagonist, Sonia, is a relatable and well-developed character who experiences significant growth throughout the story. Readers can learn from her resilience and determination as she overcomes obstacles and finds her place in the world.
- Engaging Writing Style: Veera Hiranandani's writing is engaging and accessible, making it a great read for middle-grade students. The story is compelling and encourages readers to keep turning the pages to find out what happens to Sonia and her family.