Roohi and Nate Are Not on the Same Page

Gr 3-7–Roohi and Nate couldn’t be more different. Roohi is a star student who overschedules herself in sports and clubs; Nate, cued as potentially dyslexic, hates studying but loves skateboarding with his best friend, Z. Their paths cross when they reluctantly join the “Lunch Bunch,” a weekly book club hosted by their school librarian, Mrs. Sharp. As they get to know their fellow book clubbers—kids neither of them would have otherwise befriended—both Roohi and Nate struggle to figure out how their new friendships will fit with their old ones. The story takes a turn when district budget cuts mean Mrs. Sharp can no longer host the Lunch Bunch, as she has to take over librarian duties at multiple schools. The kids rally to save her role and, though ultimately unsuccessful, learn the power of their own voices. The book suffers a little from identity crisis, and the first and second half almost read like two different books. One is a coming-of-age story about friendship and identity; the other is about agency and the importance of libraries and books in building community. Told in alternating viewpoints by two authors, the writing feels uneven at times. Nate’s friendship with Z is shown and deeply felt, while Roohi’s friendships are recounted but rarely shown. In spite of its flaws, students will appreciate the illustrations peppered throughout, as well as the pleasantly diverse cast of characters, in addition to Roohi (Indian American) and Nate (cued white).