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

by Rajani LaRocca

If virtue has a color, it’s an auspicious one. Red. Blood red.

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.

At least you’re trying. That’s the first step to being a hero.

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.