Best at It, The

When Rahul enters middle school he tries to prove that he is the “best at” something but he fails miserably in both football and acting. Concurrently, he struggles with homophobic and racist taunts by a school bully, wrestles with his feelings for a boy at school, and tries to understand his anxiety. His loyal friend Chelsea, grandfather Bhai, and extended family help Rahul find the courage to accept himself and his place in the world. This engaging novel, for grades 5-8, is suitable for independent reading or a literature circle to explore racism, mental health, sexuality, identity, what shapes identity, and standing up for what is right.