My Journal by Me, Kavi Sharma

American Girl: Kavi #0.5

by Varsha Bajaj

Welcome to my PRIVATE journal! If you’re my friend and you want to know all about …
. my best birthday present ever,
. a great way to learn cloud names,
. what I did for Diwali (all 5 days!) and
. how my friends and I got our dance moves down before the curtain went up!
… then I give you permission to read my journal.
(If you’re a little brother, then KEEP OUT!)

Sincerely,
Kavi

Genres: Middle Grade

79 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Varsha Bajaj grew up in Mumbai, India. When she came to the United States to obtain her master’s degree, her adjustment to the country was aided by her awareness of the culture through books. In addition to her previous picture books, she wrote the middle-grade novel Abby Spencer Goes to Bollywood, which was shortlisted for the Cybils Award and included on the Spirit of Texas Reading Program. She lives in Houston, Texas.

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disregarding my strong opinion that AG should never have released these “journals” to begin with and kept to the novel format— I was a bit disappointed by this. Kavi is an interesting character, but we don’t really get to know her or anyone else in her story beyond surface level. Readers get insight into Kavi’s mind and while is it implied she has ADHD, no where in the journal is it explicitly stated. The back of the book has information on an advisory board, which does include professionals who deal with ADHD, so I’m annoyed that it is not included in her story nor with how she will succeed past diagnosis. Maybe it will talk about it in the follow up.

I wish we had gotten more details on her family life and culture as well, but again, maybe it’s in the next book. While it’s possible the authors were attempting to authentically recreate the inner workings of someone with ADHD, the story was disjointed and glossed over details multiple times. It read haphazardly and while the story wasn’t difficult to follow, it was a giant rush. The ending left a lot to be desired.

I enjoyed the beautiful illustrations and I’m curious to see where the next book leads, but I am sad that Kavi did not get a rememberable story like her GOTY predecessors. She definitely deserved it. I will have to see how/if my feelings change after the sequel.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needed a quick and light book to give me a break during my midterms, this filled that spot. Found her failing the science quiz VERY relatable.

[dawson]

no rating cuz children’s book

i bought my first american girl doll since i was 11 and her name is Kavi and i adore her and obviously i had to read her journal

[Isa Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a cute read! i love how it was diary entries.

[Jessica Arend · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75

[Jessica Olenski · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was neat to see half of Kavi's book from her eyes! I love her illustrations and how her handwriting is bigger than the other girls' journals. It adds so much character! :D