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Braid by Braid
Not yet published
Expected 30 Mar 27A poignant coming-of-age novel-in-verse about an Indian-American girl who must find the courage to be herself and stand up to her bullies—for fans of Starfish and Red, White and Whole.
"All honesty and heart. It’s easy to root for Kapardini."—Andrea Beatriz Arango, Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All
I’ve learned that I can braid
anything—even the bullies.
I sort out their words
making them neat and tight
placing them where they
cannot reach me.
Eighth grade isn't going well for Kapardini. The bullies seem worse than ever, her friend Mariah has shut her out, and she cannot find her voice, afraid to speak even in class. Kapardini copes by braiding her hair ritually, as if by plaiting her experiences together she can keep her emotions tightly contained. Then a rumor reaches her—her classmates think she has a crush on Mariah. But that’s not true . . . or is it?
Kapardini thinks back on her friendship with Mariah, about all the feelings she keeps buried, not ready to face. One thing is for Kapardini is tired of all the hurtful words, tired of the storm of emotions swirling inside her, waiting to be free. Something must change.
An achingly beautiful novel in verse about a girl learning how to find her voice, stand up to her bullies, and make space for her truest self.
"All honesty and heart. It’s easy to root for Kapardini."—Andrea Beatriz Arango, Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All
I’ve learned that I can braid
anything—even the bullies.
I sort out their words
making them neat and tight
placing them where they
cannot reach me.
Eighth grade isn't going well for Kapardini. The bullies seem worse than ever, her friend Mariah has shut her out, and she cannot find her voice, afraid to speak even in class. Kapardini copes by braiding her hair ritually, as if by plaiting her experiences together she can keep her emotions tightly contained. Then a rumor reaches her—her classmates think she has a crush on Mariah. But that’s not true . . . or is it?
Kapardini thinks back on her friendship with Mariah, about all the feelings she keeps buried, not ready to face. One thing is for Kapardini is tired of all the hurtful words, tired of the storm of emotions swirling inside her, waiting to be free. Something must change.
An achingly beautiful novel in verse about a girl learning how to find her voice, stand up to her bullies, and make space for her truest self.
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 1, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
She’s spent so long holding everything inside. Now it’s time to find her voice.
🗣️
Eighth grader Kapardini is struggling with relentless bullying, the loss of her friendship with Mariah, and an inability to speak up for herself. When classmates spread a rumor that she has a crush on Mariah, Kapardini begins examining feelings she’s kept tightly buried and must learn to find her voice and embrace her truest self.
🗣️
This was such a tender exploration of identity, bullying, and finding the courage to be yourself. The imagery of Kapardini braiding her hair as a way of containing all the emotions she can’t express is especially powerful, as well as the artwork throughout this middle grade novel in verse I also appreciate how it captures that messy middle school experience of trying to understand feelings you might not even have words for yet. Perfect for fans of It’s All or Nothing, Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arango and The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake. This title releases March 30!
CW: bullying, homophobia, anxiety, difficulty speaking, social isolation
🗣️
Eighth grader Kapardini is struggling with relentless bullying, the loss of her friendship with Mariah, and an inability to speak up for herself. When classmates spread a rumor that she has a crush on Mariah, Kapardini begins examining feelings she’s kept tightly buried and must learn to find her voice and embrace her truest self.
🗣️
This was such a tender exploration of identity, bullying, and finding the courage to be yourself. The imagery of Kapardini braiding her hair as a way of containing all the emotions she can’t express is especially powerful, as well as the artwork throughout this middle grade novel in verse I also appreciate how it captures that messy middle school experience of trying to understand feelings you might not even have words for yet. Perfect for fans of It’s All or Nothing, Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arango and The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake. This title releases March 30!
CW: bullying, homophobia, anxiety, difficulty speaking, social isolation
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kindly received an ARC copy from NetGalley for an honest review
Braid by Braid by Shilpa Kamat
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Braid by Braid was my first read by author Shilpa Kamat and it is a beautifully written collection of poems that depict the life of an Indian American girl and her experiences through middle school. I was very excited to dive into this book and learn the story of Kapardini.
I would have thoroughly enjoyed reading this when I was in school and believe it shows that we all go through things but can overcome it. Finding ones voice and standing up for themselves is so important! Overall a lovely read and I enjoyed it!
Thanks again from NetGalley and Shilpa Kamat for my e-arc copy of this book. It is expected to be released on March 31, 2027!
Braid by Braid by Shilpa Kamat
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Braid by Braid was my first read by author Shilpa Kamat and it is a beautifully written collection of poems that depict the life of an Indian American girl and her experiences through middle school. I was very excited to dive into this book and learn the story of Kapardini.
I would have thoroughly enjoyed reading this when I was in school and believe it shows that we all go through things but can overcome it. Finding ones voice and standing up for themselves is so important! Overall a lovely read and I enjoyed it!
Thanks again from NetGalley and Shilpa Kamat for my e-arc copy of this book. It is expected to be released on March 31, 2027!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews