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OLDER FICTION
Marianagayam, Maria

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256 pp. | HarperCollins/Harper | January, 2025 | Trade ISBN 9780063360921 $18.99 | Ebook ISBN 9780063360945 $9.99
(2) YA Eighth grader Ajay and his sister feel stifled by their immigrant Sri Lankan parents' strict rules. These include a sole focus on academics, no socializing, and minimal extracurricular activities. When Ajay moves to a new school, he attempts to appease the popular kids, only to face racism and bullying. Things get even worse when, on a dare, he steals a chocolate bar that turns out to come with a prize of a million dollars. Though this money would be life-changing for his family, Ajay knows he won it through deceit, and the lies stack up until he can no longer keep them from crashing down. This is a realistic portrayal of a Tamil family, with memorable characters in an underrepresented cultural setting; the hardships his parents face and the characters' believable motivations add depth and nuance. Ajay and his sister's closeness, his frustration with family, and his middle-school struggles mirror the lives of many immigrant children. The inclusion of Ajay's reflections through his schoolwork and journals helps make him easy to empathize with; references to his Christian faith as a moral compass add another layer of nuance. The plot never falters, and surprising twists make for a refreshing coming-of-age story.
Reviewer: Sadaf Siddique | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

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