Best at it

by Maulik Pancholy

Paper Book, 2020

Status

Available

Call number

PZ7.P35743 B47 2020

Genres

LGBTQ+

Children's Books

Fiction

Collections

People of Color Rep, Men-Loving-Men

Publication

Waterville : thorndike Press, 2020.

Description

Juvenile Fiction. Juvenile Literature. HTML: From award-winning actor Maulik Pancholy comes a hilarious and heartfelt middle grade debut about a gay Indian American boy coming into his own. One of Time Out's "LGBTQ+ books for kids to read during Pride Month," this is perfect for fans of Tim Federle's Nate series. A Stonewall Honor Book! 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..… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Salsabrarian

Rahul Kapoor is determined to find something he is the best at. Diverse fiction that has universal humor and themes. Lighthearted and fun but not Newbery-distinguished. Did not finish reading.

3 more

LibraryThing member ewyatt

Rahul has a revelation that turns into a personal project. He wants to find something where he is The. Best. At. It. No small undertaking for a middle school kid who is uncomfortable in his own skin. He tries football, acting. Both fail in spectacular ways. He's asked to join the mathletes. He

doesn't want to because it sees way too nerdy. His best friend, Chelsea, who is awesome in all ways, tells him them being nerdy is why they are fun! He shies away from his culture. His family knows he is suffering - with his identity, with OCD kind of behavior. They are supportive, they offer help. It is up to him to take it.
I found this story heartfelt, charming, and touching.

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LibraryThing member electrascaife

Rahul is a middle school kiddo with a ton of stress and a handful of secrets. This is the story of how he tries to navigate friendships, low-grade racism, bullies, and the dangers of dating when no one but you (and maybe not even you) know what and who you want.
There's a lot going on in here, and

although at times I thought the author was maybe trying to pack in a few too many Important Issues (racism, mental illness, sexual orientation, bullying,...), in general this middle grade novel does a good job of representation, and describing both what it looks like to come out in a safe family space and the potential repercussions of not having that safe space. Overall, happily recommended.

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LibraryThing member jennybeast

7th grader Rahul Kapoor is trying to find his way in middle school. Is bullied by a particular boy, navigates friendships and tries to find the thing he wants to excel at. It deals with anxiety/depression and some compulsive behaviors.

I love how much of this book is about Rahul coping with stress,

and then him also recognizing that he can choose something else. He thinks he's journeying towards the thing he will be the best at, but it turns out he's looking for the thing he will enjoy doing the most. That's a distinction that is easy to lose your way on.

With regards to coming to terms with his sexuality and finding his own path -- I think this is handled really well. It's this lingering weight in the background -- fodder for bullies and commentary from adults and he's just trying not to think about it too much. Just not sure if it applies or not? Which I found very authentic. Love his super supportive family, and best friend.

It has some funny moments, too, because Rahul is just so 100% committed to his journey. He finds a thing he wants to excel at and just powers at it with a wing and prayer.

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