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Karthik Delivers
A middle-grade novel set during the financial crisis, following a boy who makes deliveries for his family's struggling grocery store while secretly acting in a play about Leonard Bernstein.
Unknown Binding
First published April 5, 2022
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340 people want to read
About the author
Sheela Chari
10 books114 followersI'm the author of VANISHED (Disney Hyperion) and FINDING MIGHTY (Abrams) and THE UNEXPLAINABLE DISAPPEARANCE OF MAFS PATEL series (Walker US), based on the award-winning hit podcast. My upcoming tween novel, KARTHIK DELIVERS (Abrams), will be available spring 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 8, 2022
DNFed 50 pages in.
The writing is good. I can understand the main character and the people around him. But the more I read the book the more I became less interested and it is way too negative for a young target audience I feel. I know not everyone has the perfect happy environment growing up but I feel I am already familiar with the story and the characters. I just wanted to connect with the characters and the writing but sadly I couldn’t.
The writing is good. I can understand the main character and the people around him. But the more I read the book the more I became less interested and it is way too negative for a young target audience I feel. I know not everyone has the perfect happy environment growing up but I feel I am already familiar with the story and the characters. I just wanted to connect with the characters and the writing but sadly I couldn’t.
December 18, 2021
Full review to come.
Although written like Middle Grade, the content in this story is not MG. The main character is fourteen and going into ninth grade; there are obscenities, general potty mouth, sexual tension, teen boys wanting to fight each other, a teen wanting to buy beer, and talk about, "... getting some action." It's too mature. Does the author not understand that Middle Grade is for elementary students ages 7-12? The publisher should know this, so no excuses. For the millionth time middle school (grades 6,7,8) and Middle Grade are not the same thing, or the same ages.
Also, even in fiction stories... if you are writing about a real person you shouldn't make up "facts" about them. Leonard Bernstein was not fourteen when he began playing piano, he had just turned ten years old. His aunt did not gift him his first piano; she moved and needed a place to store it. He also didn't die estranged from his wife, family and friends. His wife died from cancer in the late 1970's and he was still close with his family, and had many close friends. He also didn't die alone at home. It's so easy to Google. Good grief.
It is also being blurbed as BIPOC representation, and the MC is not Black nor Native American; neither is the author. The reason the BIPOC representation was created was to identify the unique histories and experiences of Black people and Indigenous peoples.
I was approved for an eARC, via Edelweiss, in return for an honest review. Review to come. It will take me a while because as Middle Grade this book is one hot steaming mess.
Although written like Middle Grade, the content in this story is not MG. The main character is fourteen and going into ninth grade; there are obscenities, general potty mouth, sexual tension, teen boys wanting to fight each other, a teen wanting to buy beer, and talk about, "... getting some action." It's too mature. Does the author not understand that Middle Grade is for elementary students ages 7-12? The publisher should know this, so no excuses. For the millionth time middle school (grades 6,7,8) and Middle Grade are not the same thing, or the same ages.
Also, even in fiction stories... if you are writing about a real person you shouldn't make up "facts" about them. Leonard Bernstein was not fourteen when he began playing piano, he had just turned ten years old. His aunt did not gift him his first piano; she moved and needed a place to store it. He also didn't die estranged from his wife, family and friends. His wife died from cancer in the late 1970's and he was still close with his family, and had many close friends. He also didn't die alone at home. It's so easy to Google. Good grief.
It is also being blurbed as BIPOC representation, and the MC is not Black nor Native American; neither is the author. The reason the BIPOC representation was created was to identify the unique histories and experiences of Black people and Indigenous peoples.
I was approved for an eARC, via Edelweiss, in return for an honest review. Review to come. It will take me a while because as Middle Grade this book is one hot steaming mess.
August 26, 2022
Unique, refreshing look at a family dealing with financial struggles and a young teen discovering his passions. This is peak upper middle grade literature that highlights sweet male friendships, a budding crush (with hand-holding at the end!), academic pressures in immigrant families, and a growing love for acting and the arts. Older middle schoolers (7th grade and up) will love this one, especially if they aren’t afraid of longer books.
August 18, 2025
This book has an impactful sense of place. I'm writing many months after finishing it, and a glance at the cover is all it takes for me to feel transported back to Allston, Massachusetts.
This book is about a kid who decides to try acting, but it's also about gentrification, and corporate impacts on small business, and how change affects the youths. I liked the nuance of the tensions of this book - that the family business was not strictly threatened by big corporations, but also other family businesses.
It was a little hard to believe that Karthik was so free to bike around the city alone, but I wanted to believe it. It felt idyllic, in an old-fashioned kind of way. I liked the characters he meets - the supporting cast is full of vivid people.
Planning to take this out to middle schools when I can.
This book is about a kid who decides to try acting, but it's also about gentrification, and corporate impacts on small business, and how change affects the youths. I liked the nuance of the tensions of this book - that the family business was not strictly threatened by big corporations, but also other family businesses.
It was a little hard to believe that Karthik was so free to bike around the city alone, but I wanted to believe it. It felt idyllic, in an old-fashioned kind of way. I liked the characters he meets - the supporting cast is full of vivid people.
Planning to take this out to middle schools when I can.
November 25, 2023
I love this book because of the friendships and determination that the boy has to do what he wants and helps his family in a time of need!!
I recommend this to others....
I recommend this to others....
March 20, 2022
Karthik Raghavan is good at remembering things, from his bike routes to ice cream flavors. His summer is full from helping out at the family store, to his mother’s pushing to study and focus to succeed. When he secretly agrees to be in a play about the famous musician, Leonard Bernstien, it seems his luck changes. But the pressures of his family from their worries about the Financial Crisis and the family store in jeopardy, is worrying. What if acting is his talent, what can he truly imagine with such uncertainty?
What a compelling story! I really enjoyed seeing Karthik’s world. It was full of interesting people that I felt like I could have met in my life. They had their own stories and hopes that Karthik discovered as he was on his journey. None of the characters seemed flat. Karthik was also very engaging. He seemed very real and relatable. He was trying to figure out his place amongst his family, peers, and in the world. There was a lot in his life that felt uncertain and it was exciting to follow him as he learned.
I think that the story moved along smoothly, though there was definitely a slow resolution. It is a story based on life, and things do not all fix themselves. But Karthik learned a lot and gained a greater understanding of the world he had around him. He gained people and perspective into their lives. He was able to become closer to his family and understand them. I really enjoyed the relationships and having the play of Leonard Bernstein was really cool. I enjoyed seeing some of the parallels and growth Karthik saw in it.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book! It is a middle grade novel, with some language. I would recommend it to those who enjoy coming-of-age stories, especially for those looking for some diversity in their characters.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
What a compelling story! I really enjoyed seeing Karthik’s world. It was full of interesting people that I felt like I could have met in my life. They had their own stories and hopes that Karthik discovered as he was on his journey. None of the characters seemed flat. Karthik was also very engaging. He seemed very real and relatable. He was trying to figure out his place amongst his family, peers, and in the world. There was a lot in his life that felt uncertain and it was exciting to follow him as he learned.
I think that the story moved along smoothly, though there was definitely a slow resolution. It is a story based on life, and things do not all fix themselves. But Karthik learned a lot and gained a greater understanding of the world he had around him. He gained people and perspective into their lives. He was able to become closer to his family and understand them. I really enjoyed the relationships and having the play of Leonard Bernstein was really cool. I enjoyed seeing some of the parallels and growth Karthik saw in it.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book! It is a middle grade novel, with some language. I would recommend it to those who enjoy coming-of-age stories, especially for those looking for some diversity in their characters.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
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February 20, 2023Sometimes we have to figure out who we are without our parents telling us.
this might be one of my new fav middle grade books omg :') this story follows an indian boy who does deliveries on his bike for his dad's grocery shop - he forms connections with the people he delivers to and is asked to join a play by one of them as the lead actor. he decides to accept the offer and keeps it a secret from his strict-must-go-to-medical-school parents.
this story was absolutely beautiful in every aspect. the people karthik delivers to are all indian, and there's even a rival restaurant that serves indian cuisine along the way. mangoes, biscuits, tea, fanta and spicy chips are just a few of the foods that form meaning in this book. I absolutely loved the complex and side characters of juhi, karthik, shanthi, miles, binh and karthik's family members. I loved how the author portrayed a realistic parental authority and the expectations that get passed down from people who aren't able to live out their dreams. I love so many things about this book!!!! ah!!!
"Don't you get it, Karthu?" she says. "We have to rebel. It's the only way to survive."
this might be one of my new fav middle grade books omg :') this story follows an indian boy who does deliveries on his bike for his dad's grocery shop - he forms connections with the people he delivers to and is asked to join a play by one of them as the lead actor. he decides to accept the offer and keeps it a secret from his strict-must-go-to-medical-school parents.
this story was absolutely beautiful in every aspect. the people karthik delivers to are all indian, and there's even a rival restaurant that serves indian cuisine along the way. mangoes, biscuits, tea, fanta and spicy chips are just a few of the foods that form meaning in this book. I absolutely loved the complex and side characters of juhi, karthik, shanthi, miles, binh and karthik's family members. I loved how the author portrayed a realistic parental authority and the expectations that get passed down from people who aren't able to live out their dreams. I love so many things about this book!!!! ah!!!
"Don't you get it, Karthu?" she says. "We have to rebel. It's the only way to survive."
October 28, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Karthik lives with his parents and sister in Boston in 2009, where they have an Indian grocery store in the Allston neighborhood. Karthik has two friends that live nearby, Miles, who loves Boston history, and Binh, whose family runs a Vietnamese restaurant. Because the grocery store isn't doing all that well, Karthik's father has a new scheme for him to deliver groceries to customers within a two mile radius. It's a lot of work, and requires frequent ice cream breaks with his friends. During these, other kids from his school, Jacob and Hoodie, give him a hard time and make fun of his name. At one point, they even steal his money. They are friends with Juhi Shah, whom Karthik likes, and Sara Rimsky, a girl on whome Binh has a crush. The girls don't correct the boys, which is confusing to Karthik, especially after he and Juhi have a good conversation at temple while his sister is involved in a dance recital. One frequent customer of the store, Shanthi, is a student at Boston University in the playwriting program. She isn't talking to her parents, since they disagree with her path. She thinks that Karthik would be a great choice to play the lead in her short play about Leonard Bernstein, since he bears a passing resemblance to the musician and also has a good ability to memorize things, especially lists. Knowing his parents wouldn't want him to take time away from deliveries to do this, Shanthi places an order every day for two Fantas and a bag of spicy chips, and the two rehearse when he delivers. The grocery store continues to struggle, especially when a new restaurant, House of Chaat, opens nearby. This is run by Juhi's uncle, who had worked with Karthik's dad in the past. As the performance of the play approaches, Shanthi has Karthik participate in some local performance art, and sends out a flyer with his name on it. His parents aren't thrilled when they find out, especially since there are big changes in store for the family. Will Karthik be able to convince them that he can follow his own dreams and not necessarily theirs?
Strengths: This was a great book about a character in a specific setting doing several very interesting things! Just hanging out with his friends, eating ice cream and going to the different restaurants seemed like fun, and delivering the groceries introduced him to lots of different people whose lives he was able to positively affect. Add to that Shanthi and her play, which he hides from his well meaning but academically focued parents, and the story becomes a really fun juggling act. I loved how Karthik got to know more about his customers and started to like them more, and how his mother decides to go to school to become a doctor, since she is always pushing Karthik to do this so she can live vicariously. The 2009 setting makes sense, given the economic downturn of the time, and the father's struggles with the store were shown just enough-- we see how the family situation impacts Karthik. Juhi is a complicated character, and her interactions with Karthik are complicated but instructive. The racial problems are not a huge part of the story, but their inclusion gives depth to the characters. I really enjoyed this one, even if it did make me hungry for ice cream and Indian food!
Weaknesses: I got a bit confused as to where the family lived-- they seemed to hang out at the store a lot, and Karthik goes to school nearby, but they get a train to their home? Perhaps if I were more familiar with Boston, I would have understood this better.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing, and this cover will appeal strongly to my readers. Chari has done interesting work with Finding Mighty and the Mars Patel series, but I think she's hit her stride here with this humorous, realistic story. A must purchase for middle school libraries.
Karthik lives with his parents and sister in Boston in 2009, where they have an Indian grocery store in the Allston neighborhood. Karthik has two friends that live nearby, Miles, who loves Boston history, and Binh, whose family runs a Vietnamese restaurant. Because the grocery store isn't doing all that well, Karthik's father has a new scheme for him to deliver groceries to customers within a two mile radius. It's a lot of work, and requires frequent ice cream breaks with his friends. During these, other kids from his school, Jacob and Hoodie, give him a hard time and make fun of his name. At one point, they even steal his money. They are friends with Juhi Shah, whom Karthik likes, and Sara Rimsky, a girl on whome Binh has a crush. The girls don't correct the boys, which is confusing to Karthik, especially after he and Juhi have a good conversation at temple while his sister is involved in a dance recital. One frequent customer of the store, Shanthi, is a student at Boston University in the playwriting program. She isn't talking to her parents, since they disagree with her path. She thinks that Karthik would be a great choice to play the lead in her short play about Leonard Bernstein, since he bears a passing resemblance to the musician and also has a good ability to memorize things, especially lists. Knowing his parents wouldn't want him to take time away from deliveries to do this, Shanthi places an order every day for two Fantas and a bag of spicy chips, and the two rehearse when he delivers. The grocery store continues to struggle, especially when a new restaurant, House of Chaat, opens nearby. This is run by Juhi's uncle, who had worked with Karthik's dad in the past. As the performance of the play approaches, Shanthi has Karthik participate in some local performance art, and sends out a flyer with his name on it. His parents aren't thrilled when they find out, especially since there are big changes in store for the family. Will Karthik be able to convince them that he can follow his own dreams and not necessarily theirs?
Strengths: This was a great book about a character in a specific setting doing several very interesting things! Just hanging out with his friends, eating ice cream and going to the different restaurants seemed like fun, and delivering the groceries introduced him to lots of different people whose lives he was able to positively affect. Add to that Shanthi and her play, which he hides from his well meaning but academically focued parents, and the story becomes a really fun juggling act. I loved how Karthik got to know more about his customers and started to like them more, and how his mother decides to go to school to become a doctor, since she is always pushing Karthik to do this so she can live vicariously. The 2009 setting makes sense, given the economic downturn of the time, and the father's struggles with the store were shown just enough-- we see how the family situation impacts Karthik. Juhi is a complicated character, and her interactions with Karthik are complicated but instructive. The racial problems are not a huge part of the story, but their inclusion gives depth to the characters. I really enjoyed this one, even if it did make me hungry for ice cream and Indian food!
Weaknesses: I got a bit confused as to where the family lived-- they seemed to hang out at the store a lot, and Karthik goes to school nearby, but they get a train to their home? Perhaps if I were more familiar with Boston, I would have understood this better.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing, and this cover will appeal strongly to my readers. Chari has done interesting work with Finding Mighty and the Mars Patel series, but I think she's hit her stride here with this humorous, realistic story. A must purchase for middle school libraries.
August 26, 2022
A fresh and incredibly sweet read following a family struggling amidst the 2009 financial crisis.
Exploring everything from friendship and first crushes to family the pressures that come with them to bullying and racial prejudice to finding your passions, Karthik Delivers is a multilayered read filled with heart and perfect for upper MG/lower YA readers.
Exploring everything from friendship and first crushes to family the pressures that come with them to bullying and racial prejudice to finding your passions, Karthik Delivers is a multilayered read filled with heart and perfect for upper MG/lower YA readers.
May 11, 2022
Set in the recent past and following the summer of a headed-to-high school Indian American guy as he juggles working in his family's grocery store and secretly prepping to be in a play. "A refreshingly nuanced novel about what it means to chase your dreams."
November 12, 2025
There was a lot to like about this book, although I think the target audience should be older. Karthik is 14, and while he is still young and naive at the beginning of the book (like many middle school kids), I think many of the concepts and themes would appeal to older kids. So maybe YA rather than middle school?
What I liked about the story was that Karthik had a special skill that allowed him to help out his family's grocery store. I liked that he was very observant and genuinely enjoyed chatting with the folks he delivered to, even if he sometimes got frustrated with having to work all the time. I liked his kindness and compassion, and wanting to do the best for the customers, and even if one was being grumpy, he filed away what made them grumpy and tried to help them later.
I also loved that he was interested in something that would not necessarily be approved of in a stereotypical Asian family, and although I don't love that he hid it from them, I did like how he discovered something that gave him joy. I wasn't so sure about the grad student who all but twisted his arm into acting in her play (it just didn't strike me as being realistic), but I do like how he ended up making friends with the other actors in her circle.
In some ways, his parents seemed like overgeneralized versions of Asian immigrant parents--father is a hardworking software engineer who was good at his job but was let go due to politics and racism, and is now a hardworking grocery owner trying to keep his store afloat. Mom was a medical student who quit her job and is now pinning her hopes on the next generation. There was redemption at the end as I found out more about them and things ended up working out, but initially, it just felt like a stereotype. Then again, I had friends growing up with parents like that, and my parents had some of those tendencies, although ultimately, they did support us in our endeavors even if it didn't look like what they envisioned.
The inclusion of Leonard Bernstein and his life was an interesting choice. While I'm familiar with many of his works, I didn't know any of the details. Some of what was included in this story were off in terms of dates and times; I'm not sure why. But every child needs a hero, and I love that Bernstein became his inspiration. Would this appeal to young readers these days? Not sure, but I did find myself putting on my recording of West Side Story during my reading of this book.
Overall, I would recommend this for teen readers and above. It was a solid book, but I probably wouldn't read it again.
What I liked about the story was that Karthik had a special skill that allowed him to help out his family's grocery store. I liked that he was very observant and genuinely enjoyed chatting with the folks he delivered to, even if he sometimes got frustrated with having to work all the time. I liked his kindness and compassion, and wanting to do the best for the customers, and even if one was being grumpy, he filed away what made them grumpy and tried to help them later.
I also loved that he was interested in something that would not necessarily be approved of in a stereotypical Asian family, and although I don't love that he hid it from them, I did like how he discovered something that gave him joy. I wasn't so sure about the grad student who all but twisted his arm into acting in her play (it just didn't strike me as being realistic), but I do like how he ended up making friends with the other actors in her circle.
In some ways, his parents seemed like overgeneralized versions of Asian immigrant parents--father is a hardworking software engineer who was good at his job but was let go due to politics and racism, and is now a hardworking grocery owner trying to keep his store afloat. Mom was a medical student who quit her job and is now pinning her hopes on the next generation. There was redemption at the end as I found out more about them and things ended up working out, but initially, it just felt like a stereotype. Then again, I had friends growing up with parents like that, and my parents had some of those tendencies, although ultimately, they did support us in our endeavors even if it didn't look like what they envisioned.
The inclusion of Leonard Bernstein and his life was an interesting choice. While I'm familiar with many of his works, I didn't know any of the details. Some of what was included in this story were off in terms of dates and times; I'm not sure why. But every child needs a hero, and I love that Bernstein became his inspiration. Would this appeal to young readers these days? Not sure, but I did find myself putting on my recording of West Side Story during my reading of this book.
Overall, I would recommend this for teen readers and above. It was a solid book, but I probably wouldn't read it again.
March 9, 2025
2.7 stars
a sweet slice of life middle grade, taking place in 2009, about acting and finding yourself with more classic middle grade elements such as romance and bullying; though overall not quite a low three stars due to odd& unsatisfying handling of themes and especially plot points.
the writing is okay overall, it is on the easier side though not overly simple, but lacking description. the lists are cute, but the setting lacks a solid vibe or feeling. this leading into my complaints about the characters. they were fun to read about, but felt flat in a odd way i have never seen much before. every character interaction, even the ones that should have been simply for character development, felt like it was only there due to plot. for example: all the scenes in the ice cream shop should have been only character interaction and setting establishment, but all somehow shove in themes of bullying.
personally, i think the handling of themes and plot points, though not disrespectful, is the worst of this novel. there are two kinds of plot scenes in this book: finding your own identity outside of your parents (including the parts about acting and delivery), and the more MG-typical bullying and romance sub-plot. every scene in this book is one of these, and that is not a bad thing itself, but it feels very systemized because they overlap very little; being one OR the other. it would be untrue to say that the themes aren't developed at all, but it seems very little. the themes are introduced and reintroduced over and over, telling me noting more than that they exist. as well, the themes are very heavy handed, being told directly with simple and clear language what exactly the reader should feel about it, rather than explaining them as complex topics and letting the reader decide on their own.
did i enjoy it? -yes
would i read it again? -no
would i have read it knowing what i do after? -no
a sweet slice of life middle grade, taking place in 2009, about acting and finding yourself with more classic middle grade elements such as romance and bullying; though overall not quite a low three stars due to odd& unsatisfying handling of themes and especially plot points.
the writing is okay overall, it is on the easier side though not overly simple, but lacking description. the lists are cute, but the setting lacks a solid vibe or feeling. this leading into my complaints about the characters. they were fun to read about, but felt flat in a odd way i have never seen much before. every character interaction, even the ones that should have been simply for character development, felt like it was only there due to plot. for example: all the scenes in the ice cream shop should have been only character interaction and setting establishment, but all somehow shove in themes of bullying.
personally, i think the handling of themes and plot points, though not disrespectful, is the worst of this novel. there are two kinds of plot scenes in this book: finding your own identity outside of your parents (including the parts about acting and delivery), and the more MG-typical bullying and romance sub-plot. every scene in this book is one of these, and that is not a bad thing itself, but it feels very systemized because they overlap very little; being one OR the other. it would be untrue to say that the themes aren't developed at all, but it seems very little. the themes are introduced and reintroduced over and over, telling me noting more than that they exist. as well, the themes are very heavy handed, being told directly with simple and clear language what exactly the reader should feel about it, rather than explaining them as complex topics and letting the reader decide on their own.
did i enjoy it? -yes
would i read it again? -no
would i have read it knowing what i do after? -no
March 26, 2023
Upper middle grade perfection. This book fits perfectly in that slot of readers that the publishing industry usually ignores: getting old for middle grade, not yet ready for YA. This is the rare, magic book that will appeal to the entire range of 6-8th grade middle schoolers. Karthik is a 14 year old approaching his 9th grade year amid the 2009 recession. He is spending the summer reluctantly making bike deliveries around Boston for his dad's struggling Indian grocery store. One of the customers he delivers to is a playwrighting grad student who thinks Karthik would be perfect to star as a young Leonard Bernstein in her play. Karthik manages to keep this new experience a secret from his parents, all while working, maintaining friendships, and getting to know his secret crush. As readers we go along for his ride exploring Boston, learning about Leonard Bernstein, and watching Karthik's passions and identity develop as he learns to stand up for himself.
This book was a joy to read. Something about it felt like watching a great indie movie. Karthik himself is such a loveable, real character who is working through struggles that are so acute at his age. The same goes for his friends, sister, and crush, who is not without her very relatable flaws. I found the writing to be poignant but with a light touch, and the story of Leonard Bernstein was the perfect backdrop and analogy for Karthik to explore his own experiences. The setting and time period were significant and provided depth to the story, particularly in Karthik's relationship with his family. The ending was executed perfectly and will appeal to middle school readers. One of my favorites of the year.
This book was a joy to read. Something about it felt like watching a great indie movie. Karthik himself is such a loveable, real character who is working through struggles that are so acute at his age. The same goes for his friends, sister, and crush, who is not without her very relatable flaws. I found the writing to be poignant but with a light touch, and the story of Leonard Bernstein was the perfect backdrop and analogy for Karthik to explore his own experiences. The setting and time period were significant and provided depth to the story, particularly in Karthik's relationship with his family. The ending was executed perfectly and will appeal to middle school readers. One of my favorites of the year.
December 18, 2021
I can't tell you how much I loved this book!!! It fills a space desperately needed in upper middle-grade. As a parent, I know so many kids too old for younger MG and too young for YA and this book hits that spot perfectly.
Karthik, an Indian American kid during the summer after 8th grade, finds himself working in his father's Indian grocery shop in Boston as they try to keep the business afloat during the 2008 financial crisis. Among other adventures, Karthik ends up secretly acting in a play about Leonard Bernstein and discovering his love for theater and West Side Story. Karthik is such a well-drawn character. He's managing his immigrant parents' expectations while trying to figure out who he truly is. He's also experiencing his first crush as a side-plot. I love that he questions what his family and society expect from him while being thoughtful, funny, and caring. One of my favorite parts is how he takes care of some of the older people he delivers groceries for. I love seeing a young male in a caretaker role. Reading about three-dimensional male characters like this in schools can empower boys to move away from toxic masculinity messaging and feel allowed to be emotional, caring, and sensitive. Karthik isn't perfect, but he's a sweetheart, and I had so much empathy for him. The story is unique, honest, and SO engaging. I loved all the characters--the parents, his older sister, his friends. And the food is the best. I really wanted some ice cream and pakoras after I finished the book. An excellent offering from author Sheela Chari!
Karthik, an Indian American kid during the summer after 8th grade, finds himself working in his father's Indian grocery shop in Boston as they try to keep the business afloat during the 2008 financial crisis. Among other adventures, Karthik ends up secretly acting in a play about Leonard Bernstein and discovering his love for theater and West Side Story. Karthik is such a well-drawn character. He's managing his immigrant parents' expectations while trying to figure out who he truly is. He's also experiencing his first crush as a side-plot. I love that he questions what his family and society expect from him while being thoughtful, funny, and caring. One of my favorite parts is how he takes care of some of the older people he delivers groceries for. I love seeing a young male in a caretaker role. Reading about three-dimensional male characters like this in schools can empower boys to move away from toxic masculinity messaging and feel allowed to be emotional, caring, and sensitive. Karthik isn't perfect, but he's a sweetheart, and I had so much empathy for him. The story is unique, honest, and SO engaging. I loved all the characters--the parents, his older sister, his friends. And the food is the best. I really wanted some ice cream and pakoras after I finished the book. An excellent offering from author Sheela Chari!
April 24, 2022
Karthik is skilled at making lists and remembering things. Those skills are being put to work by his father who enlists him to spend the summer before starting high school delivering groceries for his struggling grocery store. It is far from his ideal way to spend the summer. As Karthik gets to know the regulars who he is delivering groceries to, one customer who is impressed with his skills at remembering things offers him the opportunity to perform in a play that she has written about composer young Leonard Bernstein. Karthik is reluctant at first, but eventually agrees to take on the role, but keeps the play a secret from his family. His mother is insistent that he become a doctor in the future, and he thinks that performing as an actor is at odds with his parents’ expectations. As the summer progresses and Karthik learns more about Bernstein and his life, he also learns more about his own family and his identity. The book’s characters from Karthik to his Indian-American family, friends, and the store customers are well-developed and engaging. I loved how the story addressed not only Karthik figuring out and following his dreams, but also put his parents’ dreams into play as a factor in the story. Older middle grade readers will relate to Karthik’s struggle to figure out who he is, what he wants, and where he fits in his community—all while navigating his first crush. A great coming of age story for fans of realistic fiction!
February 23, 2023
Set specifically during the financial crisis of 2007-2008, this story follows Karthik during the summer before high school. His family watches as their neighbors shut their businesses and make hard financial decisions, and his father's grocery store is not doing as well as it once did. In an effort to boost customers, Karthik is delivering groceries within a two-mile radius of the store. It's through one of these deliveries that he meets Shanthi, a college student working on a play. Her enthusiasm for her subject, Leonard Bernstein, draws Karthik into a theatrical and musical world he knew nothing about, and one which he feels his parents would definitely not support.
So family troubles on the one hand, community troubles on the other, and all of this is set right into the typical tween/teenage difficulties of crushes, family expectations, and friendships. Add in some discussion of immigrant experiences, prejudice, the necessity of both hard work and luck when it comes to getting ahead, and the need for community support, and I found this a very engaging read.
So family troubles on the one hand, community troubles on the other, and all of this is set right into the typical tween/teenage difficulties of crushes, family expectations, and friendships. Add in some discussion of immigrant experiences, prejudice, the necessity of both hard work and luck when it comes to getting ahead, and the need for community support, and I found this a very engaging read.
December 19, 2021
My kids and I have enjoyed this author's other books, so excited to see this new one. I thought it was a great story and a great mix of authentic characters and historical background. Karthik feels unsure about himself, then learns to love acting in a play about Leonard Bernstein, somewhat contrary to family expectations. This could be a stereotypical book about immigrant parent expectations, but it goes beyond that, and you really get to know everyone in Karthik's family. They feel real and layered. I also like the parallels to Leonard Bernstein and how the author handled this. We are all musicians in my family, and this part is authentic and real - you can tell the author is handling this well and with expertise. My kids have recently played West Side Story and the additional information in this book makes it exciting for them to fill in some context. As Karthik learns to play Lenny, you can see his character growing to understand issues of trust and risk, and taking chances in life. I also appreciate Karthik's conversations with his older sister, his cousin, and Juhi, as they figure out identity and what it means to them to be Indian-American.
March 29, 2022
A sweet story for the middle school set featuring the titular Karthik, a boy experiencing his summer before high school right after the financial crash. His father's business is struggling, and his friends may be facing big changes. His sister is stressed over the SATs, and his mother keeps lamenting her lost dream of becoming a doctor. To help out his family Karthik reluctantly agrees to deliver groceries for his father's customers, and discovers a new world beyond the one he's always known. He makes friends with Shanthi, who wants to cast him in her play about young Leonard Bernstein, he listens to Mr. Jain reminisce about India, and he slowly comes to acknowledge his feelings for his friend Juri, who sometimes takes the side of the mean boys who bully him about his name.
This was a good story, and plotted well enough that there were any times when I didn't know where it was going, or how it was going to resolve itself. Karthik's friends and family were interesting and flawed without being over the top quirky, and this would be a nice book for seventh and eighth graders of all genders to read.
This was a good story, and plotted well enough that there were any times when I didn't know where it was going, or how it was going to resolve itself. Karthik's friends and family were interesting and flawed without being over the top quirky, and this would be a nice book for seventh and eighth graders of all genders to read.
May 2, 2022
I don't know how to review this book.
I know I loved it. I know that I love it on several personal levels.
I was a playwrighting student. I lived in Boston. I had a thesis one-act play I wrote.
I teach Creative Writing. And one of my students is Indian (and he has a mother a LOT like Karthik's mother)...she even has an embarrassing nickname for him that she uses all the time.
I nominated Sheela Chari for the Newbery years ago...I think she is a fantastic writer. I think she deserves a lot more recognition than she gets (obviously)
I blurbed her second novel...my words appeared on the cover of her book, and that was--that was a bucket-list item (my blurbs appear on twenty or thirty books, but it always says "Kirkus Reviews" instead of my name...because I work for them) I was even acquainted with her editor YEARS before she edited Sheela Chari.
SO you can say I am biased...but I think this is a great book...and I think it is the perfect book for a LOT of kids. I think these are real kids and they have real relationships and talk like real kids do (I work with kids...this is them). This belongs in every library. And I think is is a prefect gift for a lot of young people.
I know I loved it. I know that I love it on several personal levels.
I was a playwrighting student. I lived in Boston. I had a thesis one-act play I wrote.
I teach Creative Writing. And one of my students is Indian (and he has a mother a LOT like Karthik's mother)...she even has an embarrassing nickname for him that she uses all the time.
I nominated Sheela Chari for the Newbery years ago...I think she is a fantastic writer. I think she deserves a lot more recognition than she gets (obviously)
I blurbed her second novel...my words appeared on the cover of her book, and that was--that was a bucket-list item (my blurbs appear on twenty or thirty books, but it always says "Kirkus Reviews" instead of my name...because I work for them) I was even acquainted with her editor YEARS before she edited Sheela Chari.
SO you can say I am biased...but I think this is a great book...and I think it is the perfect book for a LOT of kids. I think these are real kids and they have real relationships and talk like real kids do (I work with kids...this is them). This belongs in every library. And I think is is a prefect gift for a lot of young people.
March 23, 2022
Karthik finds himself spending his summer before high school delivering groceries on his bicycle at the neighborhood store owned by his Dad. It is a long hot summer and Karthik is not happy about his role. His sister is studying for an exam, his Mom is trying to direct his interest to a medical career, and all his friends are having ice cream. Karthik meets new friends as he delivers his father's groceries, one of particular interest has written a play. To Karthick's surprise, she wants him to play the lead. Karthik's one talent, his ability to remember will be challenged and he will grow and learn from the opportunity. Karthick is a really interesting character and the author portrays the real challenges of a young man with immigrant roots growing up in America. The plot is interesting and Karthik is a likable character. .Thanks to #NetGalley#KarthikDelivers for the opportunity to read and review this book. .
April 11, 2022
Solid purchase for libraries of readers in grades 4 and up. Karthik is about to enter high school, but his family’s financial woes and his personal struggle to find that “thing” that makes his heart happy is nestled into a book without profanity, violence or sexual content and both the vocabulary level and the universal themes make it appropriate for a wide range of students. Characters are racially and economically diverse with most being from an Indian background and working hard to make it through the difficult financial times of 2009ish. Both Karthik and his friend Binh are interested in girls from school and the neighborhood, but their actions go no further than awkward conversations, significant glances and one brief hand-holding. Great realistic fiction in a community of hard-working, immigrant families who rise up and support one another in a plethora of ways, both big and small.
Thanks for the print arc, Abrams Kids.
Thanks for the print arc, Abrams Kids.
October 22, 2022
I love Karthik, a thoughtful kid who feels trapped by his immigrant parents' expectations and financial woes (in 2009). They run an Indian grocery store, and decide he should deliver items to spur sales. That's how he meets various neighbors and Santhi, a playwriting student at BU who thinks he'd be perfect to play Leonard Bernstein in her short play (he remembers things easily). His mother wants him to be a doctor--she wanted to.
Learning about Bernstein, whose parents had other plans for him, and his thrilling work inspires Karthik.
Karthik likes a girl, but she hangs out with (and doesn't stand up to) his major bully--this is very confusing.
The feeling of acting and of trying something new is very well described. I also love his friends.
p 238 Juhi says "I thought maybe you'd understand because you're Indian, too. That it's hard to be different than everyone else."
" I guess it's harder," I say slowly, "being the same as everyone else."
Learning about Bernstein, whose parents had other plans for him, and his thrilling work inspires Karthik.
Karthik likes a girl, but she hangs out with (and doesn't stand up to) his major bully--this is very confusing.
The feeling of acting and of trying something new is very well described. I also love his friends.
p 238 Juhi says "I thought maybe you'd understand because you're Indian, too. That it's hard to be different than everyone else."
" I guess it's harder," I say slowly, "being the same as everyone else."
June 25, 2023
A very sweet MG/YA novel about an Indian-American teen discovering his dreams while dealing with his parent’s’ expectations and the hardships of the 2008 financial crisis. I particularly enjoyed how the author deftly showed Karthik growing up by how his thinking changes over the novel. At the beginning, he remembers things and people by very black and white lists of identifiers — pretty hair, likes ice cream, short and angry, etc. By the end, he changes and sees how people around him are constantly changing too — and that’s okay. I really liked the wide array of characters Karthik meets through his deliveries and how he gets to know each of them. And I liked that at the end, it’s not only the kids like Karthik who gets their dreams. His mom, who gave up on her dream of being a doctor early if life, also gets to go back to school to study medicine. My biggest critique was that the audiobook narration felt too slow for me.
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February 26, 2024The particulars of this book (the financial crisis of 2008-09, Leonard Bernstein) don't have a huge amount of appeal to the average middle-grade reader today, but the underlying story (figuring out what your dream is and how to go for it despite those who would try to stop you) is a classic theme and well-executed, with some great character moments and growth. I particularly liked Karthik's relationship with his sister Nitya, and in general the complexity of his family relationships felt real.
Still, I found the premise a bit hard to swallow, and I cringed at the scenes with Shanthi trying to convince Karthik to be in her play. He has no acting experience -- she hasn't even seen him act and doesn't know him very well -- but she's all in on him to save her play because... she likes his hair? And he's good at memorizing things? (Also, he's a kid! He's trying to say no and you won't accept it! Don't encourage him to keep secrets from his parents! Ahem.)
Still, I found the premise a bit hard to swallow, and I cringed at the scenes with Shanthi trying to convince Karthik to be in her play. He has no acting experience -- she hasn't even seen him act and doesn't know him very well -- but she's all in on him to save her play because... she likes his hair? And he's good at memorizing things? (Also, he's a kid! He's trying to say no and you won't accept it! Don't encourage him to keep secrets from his parents! Ahem.)
April 17, 2022
The premise of this novel is unique: an Indian-American boy is recruited by an aspiring playwright to star in her one-act play. The fun, diverse characters in the novel, made the story fun, even as it showed the struggles of working class families during an economic downturn and the pressures often faced by the children of immigrants. Chari realistically portrays middle school relationships, complete with bullies and crushes. The choice of Leonard Bernstein as the main character of the play makes sense and yet is unlikely to draw in young readers (although the recent remake of West Side Story may help.) In general, I didn't always feel like the many different elements quite gelled, although the book did hold my interest. Not an essential middle grade read, but solid. If I could, I'd give it 3.5 stars.
August 11, 2023
KARTHIK DELIVERS by Sheela Chari and read by Varun Sathi is an endearing Boston based middle grade. Karthik is a sweet lovable protagonist who delivers food from his family’s grocery store to folks in and around Allston. This book has such an incredible sense of place: Comm Ave is a character in its own right. He doesn’t quite know what he wants to be when he grows up, but his mom wants him to be a doctor. But maybe there’s still time for his mom to chase her own dreams? Crushes, new dreams, finding friends in surprising places. As a former resident of Comm Ave, this book earned a very special place in my heart. 🚉🛒🎭#karthikdelivers #varunsathi #sheelachari #middlegrade #tween #recordedbooks #abrams
May 30, 2022
A solid 3-1/2 stars. This story has a fairly common theme for realistic fiction for teens and almost-teens, figuring out who you are and what you want while dealing with pressure from your parents to be what they want, navigating changing friendships, learning to stand up for yourself and your friends, and dealing with financial hardships. Though the story is about a primarily immigrant community, the themes are pretty universal and anyone this age would be able to relate. There is also a lot of discussion of food and snacks, particularly Indian food and ice cream, so be prepared to have cravings after reading this.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
April 12, 2024
"Many immigrant families have worked hard to create financial stability, often through achieving academic and professional success. For me and other children growing up under the shadow of our parents' hard-working ethic, it felt unimaginable to throw away that security to pursue uncertain careers in writing, acting, or other arts."
"'How do you feel?' 'Like barfing.' I say. 'Good. That means you're ready.'"
"The eyes are the truth. They are the thing that stays the same when the rest of us changes."
"That must be what dreams are about. About the beginning of things. Not the end."
"We shouldn't be afraid to take chances. The universe will come through for us."
"'How do you feel?' 'Like barfing.' I say. 'Good. That means you're ready.'"
"The eyes are the truth. They are the thing that stays the same when the rest of us changes."
"That must be what dreams are about. About the beginning of things. Not the end."
"We shouldn't be afraid to take chances. The universe will come through for us."
June 20, 2024
A decent middle grade/YA! Karthik is an incoming freshmen, but this is super timid and my guess is it would read even better for sixth and seventh graders. I didn’t *love* it, but it had colorful and fun Indian culture throughout, some awesome minor characters, and I thought the conflicts were “resolved” and themes delivered in a hopeful yet realistic way. I’m not a big theater kid and also couldn’t relate to many of the family/relationship conflicts, but I think this book gave a beautiful voice to an underrepresented group. I also liked the realistic depiction of the financial crisis of ~2008. Karthik truly was a “cutie” (and deserves better than Juhi if you ask me!)
May 28, 2022
A young adult novel with musical overtones. The main character is a delivery boy for his father's grocery store. He delivers on his bicylcle and has many regular customers he has relationshps with. On one delivery he meets a graduate student at Boston University who has written a pley based on the life of a young Leonard Bernstein. When she sees Karthik he has the perfect features to play him in her premiere. There are many other issues f0r the family and Karthik personally. A nice book with good values.
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