Count Me In
Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj is a poignant narrative published by Penguin on August 27, 2019, featuring 192 pages in English. This story unfolds through the alternating perspectives of two middle-schoolers, exploring themes of friendship and community as they confront racism. The plot centers on Karina Chopra, who unexpectedly forms a bond with her neighbor Chris after a violent incident that targets her Indian-American identity and her grandfather. This event catalyzes a movement against hate, showcasing the power of unity in the face of adversity.
Readers will find a heartfelt exploration of social themes as Karina and Chris navigate their evolving friendship amidst the challenges posed by racism. The story highlights their determination to reject hate and promote inclusivity, culminating in a viral social media campaign that invites a diverse community to share their experiences. Through this narrative, Bajaj addresses important topics such as identity and belonging, making it a relevant read for those interested in juvenile fiction that tackles significant social issues.
Official synopsis Publisher
An uplifting story, told through the alternating voices of two middle-schoolers, in which a community rallies to reject racism.
Karina Chopra would have never imagined becoming friends with the boy next door–after all, they’ve avoided each other for years and she assumes Chris is just like the boys he hangs out with, who she labels a pack of hyenas. Then Karina’s grandfather starts tutoring Chris, and she discovers he’s actually a nice, funny kid. But one afternoon something unimaginable happens–the three of them are assaulted by a stranger who targets Indian-American Karina and her grandfather because of how they look. Her grandfather is gravely injured and Karina and Chris vow not to let hate win. When Karina posts a few photos related to the attack on social media, they quickly attract attention, and before long her #CountMeIn post–“What does an American look like? #immigrants #WeBelong #IamAmerican #HateHasNoHomeHere”–goes viral and a diverse population begin to add their own photos. Then, when Papa is finally on the road to recovery, Karina uses her newfound social media reach to help celebrate both his homecoming and a community coming together.
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