The Not-So-Star-Spangled Life of Sunita Sen

By Mitali Perkins

     Eighth grader Sunita Sen is hoping that the school year will be fun and that she won't have to join the group of strange kids that hang out watching old Star Trek episodes in the school library. Things go downhill rapidly for Sunita once her grandparents arrive from India to stay with her family for a year. Suddenly, Sunita's mother is wearing traditional clothing and quits her job to take care of her household and family. Sunita isn't allowed to bring boys home for fear of offending her grandparents. As Sunita watches her grandparents and their unfamiliar habits, she begins to resent them and wishes she could just live a "normal" life like everyone else at school.

     Add to the mix Sunita's best friend Liz, who is absolutely fascinated with Indian culture and wants to learn all she can from Sunita's grandparents. The grandparents quickly dub Liz an official Indian and are glad to talk with her when she visits.

     Throughout the story, Sunita begins to keep to herself more and more, as she fears people won't understand her anymore, when in reality, she no longer understands herself. Sunita struggles to find a comfortable balance between her Indian and American heritage, and she ultimately triumphs.

     This book paints a fun, yet sympathetic picture of a teenager who is trying to fit into two different worlds. Many teens will be able to identify with Sunita's search for herself, regardless of their own cultural backgrounds. This book would make a fine addition to any young adult collection.