Varsha Bajaj ([...]) also wrote the picture books The Home Builders and This Is Our Baby, Born Today (a Bank Street Best Book). She grew up in Mumbai, India, and when she came to the United States to obtain her master's degree, her adjustment to the country was aided by her awareness of the culture through books. In addition to her previous pictur books, she wrote the middle-grade novel Abby Spencer Goes to Bollywood, which was shortlisted for the Cybils Award and included on the Spirit of Texas Reading Program. She lives in Houston, Texas.

INDIAN AMERICAN AUTHOR: #ownvoices #WeNeedDiverseBooks

TOLD FROM TWO UNIQUE VIEWPOINTS: Karina (Indian American) and Chris (white) narrate the story in alternating chapters, giving readers two different perspectives on events.

TACKLES RACISM HEAD-ON: Bajaj shows many ways that racism can affect its victims; Karina and Chris's emotions run the gamut from fear to guilt to anger; and eventually they figure out a way to take action.

CELEBRATES SECOND CHANCES: Out of fear, Chris is initially rude to Karina, but when he builds up the courage to be a true friend to her, she forgives his earlier behavior.

INTERGENERATIONAL FRIENDSHIP: Karina and Chris each form a tight bond with her grandpa.

POWER OF THE ARTS & POSITIVE SIDE OF SOCIAL MEDIA: Through posting her photos online, Karina finds her voice, realizes she has something important to say, and is able to share her message.

FEATURES A SUPPORTIVE, WELCOMING COMMUNITY: Even though he's fairly new to the neighborhood, most of Papa's new town rallies in his support after his attack.