The whole story of half a girl by Veera Hiranandani –OPTIONAL

Hiranandani, Veera The whole story of half a girl, 224 pgs. Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2012. $12.67. (Language-G, Violence-G, Sexual Content-G).
Sonia is a sixth grader navigating public school for the first time, having been to a fun alternative school for the rest of her education. Everything is different. She even starts to feel uncomfortable about her heritage for the first time (she’s half Jewish and half India Indian). At home, there are many changes too. Her father lost his job and is depressed, while her mother seems worried and stressed. Sonia tries to find her way through the changes.
The voice of Sonia is very juvenile, she seems years younger than she is supposed to be. For example I found it hard to buy into a 12 year old with half Indian heritage questioning if they are “black”. It seems like a question a much younger child would be asking of their parents. I think there are a lot of great tidbits to be found here, such as the ambiguity of friendship, and understanding your own parents. But I think the presentation of the book is muddled enough that student readers would be bored and miss most of the possible lessons.
ELEMENTARY – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.