Count Me In
Written by Varsha Bajaj
Published by Puffin Books
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.

Primary ISBN: 9780525517245
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
Middle Grade, Age 10 or older
Community Represented: Indian/Indian American
Themes: Allyship, Audiobook, Community Action, Cross-Group Friendship, Discrimination: Cultural, Discrimination: Racial, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Recommended: Community Rallying Against Hate
Setting: United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Arrival
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:
Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.
EXPLORE the Educator’s Guide