Hope in the Valley

You Bring the Distant Near

Monsoon Summer

One Jar of Magic

Love Like Sky

Rent a Boyfriend

19 Love Songs

Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child

When her father loses his job and leaves India to look for work in America, Asha Gupta, her older sister, Reet, and their mother must wait with Baba’s brother and his family, as well as their grandmother, in Calcutta. Uncle is welcoming, but in a country steeped in tradition, the three women must abide by his decisions. Asha knows this is temporary—just until Baba sends for them. But with scant savings and time passing, the tension builds: Ma, prone to spells of sadness, finds it hard to submit to her mother- and sister-in-law; Reet’s beauty attracts unwanted marriage proposals; and Asha's promise to take care of Ma and Reet leads to impulsive behavior. What follows is a firestorm of rebuke—and secrets revealed! Asha’s only solace is her rooftop hideaway, where she pours her heart out in her diary, and where she begins a clandestine friendship with Jay Sen, the boy next door. Asha can hardly believe that she, and not Reet, is the object of Jay’s attention. Then news arrives about Baba . . . and Asha must make a choice that will change their lives forever.

Discover Your Child's Next Read

Hope in the Valley

Mitali Perkins, 2023

You Bring the Distant Near

Mitali Perkins, 2017

Monsoon Summer

Mitali Perkins, 2004

One Jar of Magic

Corey Ann Haydu, 2021

Love Like Sky

Leslie C. Youngblood, 2018

Rent a Boyfriend

Gloria Chao, 2020

19 Love Songs

David Levithan, 2012

Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child

Maria T. Lennon, 2013