How can you be a normal American kid when you’re also trying to be the perfect Indian daughter?
“Red, White, and Whole” is a moving novel-in-verse by Rajani LaRocca. Set in 1983, the story follows 13-year-old Reha, an Indian American girl caught between two worlds. When Reha’s mother is diagnosed with leukemia, her already complicated life is turned upside down. Despite her fear of blood, Reha dreams of becoming a doctor and desperately hopes to save her mother, promising to be the perfect daughter if it means Amma will recover. Through beautiful verse, LaRocca crafts an emotionally resonant tale that explores the metaphorical and literal meaning of blood – both as the “precious river” of life and as a symbol of cultural connection.
This book brilliantly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its sensitive portrayal of serious illness, medical care, and the emotional impacts of health crises on families. It offers students valuable insights into cultural perspectives on health while highlighting universal experiences of love and loss. Reha is Balanced as she navigates between cultural identities and emotional states, and Reflective, as she contemplates her place in both worlds and processes her grief.
Educators can use this book to prompt discussions about healthcare access, cultural identity, and emotional resilience. Consider pairing with science lessons about blood and the immune system, or use it to explore how poetry can express complex emotions. The book’s accessible verse format makes it particularly effective for reluctant readers while offering rich thematic material for grades 5-8, making it an essential addition to any classroom or library seeking to foster empathy and global awareness.
