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

by Rajani LaRocca

Red, white, and whole, the precious river in our arteries, our veins, our hearts.

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.”

A mother gives you life, nourishes you, protects you, helps you when you’re hurt. But sometimes it feels like too much.

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 hope it helps you understand that even when you feel torn apart, you can still be a whole person—not just despite the things you struggle with, but because of them.