Red, White, and Whole: A Newbery Honor Novel in Verse about an Indian American Girl Navigating Identity and Grief

by Rajani LaRocca

I’m caught between the life I want to lead and the one she thinks I should.

Our parents are God, their words are law.

No matter where I go, America or India, I don’t quite fit.

But I am always halfway, caught between the life my parents want and the one I have to live.

“You don’t have to worry about living in two worlds. You live in only one world, and that is the world in which we love you. No matter what your choices are. We raised you, we trust you, and we love you.”

Together, we decide that a hero: Is brave, but not without fear. Because if you fear nothing, how can you be brave? Says what they believe is right. Because if you cannot say what you believe in, how much do you believe in it? Works to make the world better. Because doing something is even more important than talking about it. Acts out of love for others. Because caring for other people is the biggest difference between a hero and a villain.

And I realize we are friends, both living two lives, both rushing over rapids in separate boats.

A hero is brave, but not without fear. Says what they believe is right. Works to make the world better. Acts out of love for others.

I don’t know if it will work. If I’m a match, I say. At least you’re trying. That’s the first step to being a hero.

A mother is like life’s blood Nourishing you Protecting you Helping you stop hurting Until she is gone. I am still here, but she cannot stay.

And know this: you belong. You belong to this country, where you are growing up. And you belong to India, where your blood is from. You belong to both, and they both belong to you. You will find your way in making those two streams one. You will write your own story, and it will be beautiful, because it is yours.