The most recommended books about Indian Americans

Who picked these books? Meet our 45 experts.

45 authors created a book list connected to Indian Americans, and here are their favorite Indian Americans books.
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Book cover of The Serpent's Secret

Rob Vlock Author Of Sven Carter & the Trashmouth Effect

From my list on middle-grade readers will love.

Why am I passionate about this?

I remember the night it happened. I was lying next to my son in bed, reading to him. It was already well past his bedtime, but when we came to the end of the chapter, he begged me: ā€œJust one more chapter, Dad! Pleeeease!ā€ That was the moment I knew I wanted to write novels for kids. And ever since then, Iā€™ve been passionate about helping young people learn to love reading by introducing them to books theyā€™ll truly loveā€”even if theyā€™re what some might call, ā€œreluctant readers.ā€ Thatā€™s whatā€™s behind the books I recommend and will always be behind the books I write. 

Rob's book list on middle-grade readers will love

Rob Vlock Why did Rob love this book?

Combining rich, imaginative Bengali folklore, pulse-elevating action, laugh-out-loud humor, and an amazing narrative voice, this book had me hooked, literally, from the first line. (ā€œThe day my parents got swallowed by a rakkhosh and whisked away to another galactic dimension was a pretty craptastic day.ā€) The twists and turns in this lovely novel were utterly unpredictable and kept me guessing page after page. 

By Sayantani DasGupta,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Serpent's Secret as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

From New York Times bestselling author comes a world packed with action and adventure, perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Soman Chainani.

MEET KIRANMALA:INTERDIMENSIONAL DEMON SLAYER(Only she doesn't know it yet.)On the morning of her 12th birthday, Kiranmala is just a regular sixth grader living in Parsippany, New Jersey...until her parents mysteriously vanish and a drooling rakkhosh demon slams through her kitchen, determined to eat her alive. Turns out there might be some truth to her parents' fantastical stories -- like how Kiranmala is a real Indian princess and how she comes from a secret place not of thisā€¦


Book cover of Red, White, and Whole

Dana VanderLugt Author Of Enemies in the Orchard: A World War 2 Novel in Verse

From my list on middle grade written that tackle grief.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I worked as a middle school teacher, I surveyed more than 200 students how they felt about books that included sadness and grief. The overwhelming answer from the students was that while adults too often minimize their feelings and dismiss the validity of their heartache, books do not. Many young readers want books that are honest and raw enough not to shield them from the world, but to pay enough attention to its pain to light a path, knowing that they can keep moving forward in the dark when they feel less alone and less afraid.

Dana's book list on middle grade written that tackle grief

Dana VanderLugt Why did Dana love this book?

Another novel in verse, I loved Rajani LaRoccaā€™s Red, White, and Whole for its emotional complexity.

Though a work of fiction, LaRocca has said that many of the aspects of the book are based on her own experience growing up as an Indian American in the 1980s. In the story, thirteen-year-old Reha straddles two worlds: expected to honor Indian traditions and expectations at home, while fitting into the life of an American teenager at school.

But when Rehaā€™s mother is diagnosed with cancer, Reha must confront more than just her fear of blood. I love this book for the mirrors and windows it provides readers of all ages.

By Rajani LaRocca,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Red, White, and Whole as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Newbery Honor Book! A heartbreakingly hopeful novel in verse about an Indian American girl whose life is turned upside down when her mother is diagnosed with leukemia.

* Walter Award Winner * New England Book Award Winner * An NCTE Notable Verse Novel * Golden Kite Award Winner * Goodreads Choice Nominee * A Washington Post Best Children's Book of the Year * An SLJ Best Book of the Year * A BookPage Best Book of the Year * An NYPL Best Book of the Year * A Mighty Girl's Best Book of the Year * An ILA Notable Bookā€¦


Book cover of The Best at It

Chad Lucas Author Of Thanks a Lot, Universe

From my list on middle grade books to counter toxic masculinity.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was in school, I often struggled to figure out where I ā€œfitā€. Yeah, I know thatā€™s a common struggle among angsty teens. But as a biracial, bisexual kid who loved basketball and books, I didnā€™t feel totally at home in any of the stereotypical Breakfast Club-style categories that showed up even in many of the books I read: jock, nerd, prep, etc. Now, as a dad, coach, and writer, I know those boxes arenā€™t real. Iā€™m passionate about giving kids stories that challenge old ideas about what boys are ā€œsupposedā€ to be and help them explore the full range of who they can be.

Chad's book list on middle grade books to counter toxic masculinity

Chad Lucas Why did Chad love this book?

Rahul Kapoor isnā€™t sure where he belongs as he starts seventh grade as one of the few Indian American kids in his midwestern town, but he latches onto his grandfatherā€™s advice to figure out what heā€™s ā€œthe bestā€ atā€¦ with sometimes disastrous results. This sweet, funny novel tackles relatable issues like facing anxiety and discovering your passion, all with a delightful cast. Rahulā€™s aunties are a force to behold!

By Maulik Pancholy,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Best at It as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

From award-winning actor Maulik Pancholy comes a hilarious and heartfelt middle grade debut about a gay Indian American boy coming into his own. One of Time Out's ā€œLGBTQ+ books for kids to read during Pride Month,ā€ this is perfect for fans of Tim Federleā€™s Nate series. A Stonewall Honor Book!

Rahul Kapoor is heading into seventh grade in a small town in Indiana. The start of middle school is making him feel increasingly anxious, so his favorite person in the whole world, his grandfather, Bhai, gives him some well-meaning advice: Find one thing youā€™re really good at and become theā€¦


Book cover of Hope in the Valley

Nicole Chen Author Of Lily Xiao Speaks Out

From my list on middle grade kids engaging in youth activism.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a Taiwanese American childrenā€™s book author who was your classic, straight-A, Asian model minority stereotype student who did all the right things when I was a tweenā€”yet I never really stuck my neck out to make change happen and fight for what I believed was right. I canā€™t rewrite my history, but I canā€”and hope toā€”inspire kids of today to do better than I did. And so I write books that feature strong, assertive kids who learn how to stand up and speak out against injustice to make the world a better place for everyone and anyone whoā€™s ever been overlooked or misunderstood.

Nicole's book list on middle grade kids engaging in youth activism

Nicole Chen Why did Nicole love this book?

This story made me both sad and hopeful, which is why itā€™s made this list. I found Panditaā€™s struggle to come to peace with the death of her mother really moving, especially when she turns her grief into advocating for a cause that she truly believes in.

Perkinsā€™ writing is exquisite, and the themes of preserving and respecting the past while adjusting to and addressing the needs of the future are very relevant today. Seeing Pandita slowly find her voice is also oh-so inspiring. 

By Mitali Perkins,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Hope in the Valley as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Hope in the Valley, from National Book Award Nominee Mitali Perkins, is a middle-grade novel exploring grief, friendship, family, and growing up in a community facing a housing crisis.

Twelve-year-old Indian-American Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother, who died a few years ago, behind. After a falling out with her best friend, Pandita is planning to spend most of her summer break reading and writing in her favorite secret space: the abandoned but majesticā€¦


Book cover of Midsummer's Mayhem

Erin Yun Author Of Pippa Park Raises Her Game

From my list on middle school fiction featuring delicious food.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a childrenā€™s book writer from Frisco, Texas. Iā€™ve published two middle grade chapter books, Pippa Park Raises Her Game and Pippa Park Crush at First Sight. Iā€™ve always been captivated by novels that make me hungry; you can blame formative childrenā€™s books like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie or Stone Soup for that. Thatā€™s why today Iā€™m sharing my top 5 favorite middle grade books that have a foodie twist. Some of them revolve entirely around food; others simply offer a notable scene. Either way, I hope youā€™ll find them as delectable as I do!

Erin's book list on middle school fiction featuring delicious food

Erin Yun Why did Erin love this book?

Eleven-year-old Mimi is the youngest child in a family full of high-achievers. Determined to prove herself, she enters a baking contest at a newly opened bakery in town, but when strange things begin happening to those around her (such as her food critic dad losing his sense of taste), Mimi must pair her culinary skills with her detective skills to get to the bottom of the magical mystery. 

If I had to pick one word to describe this book, itā€™d be: sweet. Plus, this adorable book is also a retelling of Shakespeareā€™s A Midsummer Nightā€™s Dream. And if you know me, you know I adore retellings! 

By Rajani LaRocca,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Midsummer's Mayhem as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

A Kirkus Best Book of 2019!
An Indies Introduce Selection for 2019!
An Indie Next Pick for Summer 2019!

"A delectable treat for food and literary connoisseurs alike." Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

"What a wonderful, intriguing, and magical book. And wow, did it ever get my tastebuds going! Each time I picked it up, I felt the urge to head to my kitchen. . . . What I loved most was the smartness of it. It never once doubted its young readers." Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor- and National Book Award-Nominated author

"Midsummer's Mayhem is an enchantment of a novel, burstingā€¦


Book cover of The Serpent's Secret
Book cover of Red, White, and Whole
Book cover of The Best at It

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