Two fifth grade boys are in the same class, but seem to have little in common at the outset of this realistic fiction story. Ravi and Joe narrate the story in alternating chapters divided up into sections titled after the daily school cafeteria offering. Ravi Suryanarayanan begins the story, and he is very excited to start school in his new country. He has just immigrated from to New Jersey from India with his family where he was a star student and cricket player. Joe, who has a learning disability, looks on with interest as Ravi's talents are under-appreciated by his new teacher. Joe also watches as Ravi awkwardly tries to make friends with an "ABCD" (American born Indian) boy who Joe knows is the class bully. Your reader's heart will ache as Dillon begins to execute a series of cruel and sneaky pranks on both Ravi and Joe.
Alternating narrative, short chapters, and a high interest topic make this a great book to recommend to reluctant readers. Sarah Weeks has a knack for writing about food, and she doesn't disappoint with her descriptions of both Indian and American dishes (recipes included!) Fans of Oggie Cooder, Pie and Honey all by the same author will love this book. For another similar read, point your middle grade reader to Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea.
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