Red, White, and Whole

This gorgeous novel in verse written by Rajani LaRocca was heavy but beautiful.  Reha's parents are from India, but she was born in America.  She loves her Indian culture and extended family and enjoys her trips to India to see them.  However, she also is American and wants to wear jeans and do what her friends are doing.  That all seems so important to her until her mother gets sick.  Her friends stand by her, even when she isolates herself and tries to prove herself worthy.  It was so authentic and deeply moving.  I also loved the Indian folktale woven through the story.  (FIC LAR)