July 2022 Book Club: Count Me In

COUNT ME IN, by Varsha Bajaj

Middle-grade novel.

Seventh graders Karina, an Indian-American female, and Chris, a Caucasian male, live next door to each other in Texas. They have avoided each other for years, until Karina’s grandfather begins tutoring Chris. It is then that Karina discovers that Chris is nice. When Karina’s grandfather becomes a victim of a hate crime, both Chris and Karina find their voice to not let hate win. Karina shares the attack online on social media, which goes viral and the community rallies to reject racism.

For purchase | Check your local library

Discussion questions:

• Name a time when you befriended someone from another culture?
• Have you discussed with your children why hate crimes are wrong?
• When have you been driven to become an accidental activist?

Please share your answers and participate in the discussion using the comments area below.