The Best at It

Written by Maulik Pancholy

A boy seeks his unique talent to escape bullies and find self-acceptance.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,720 ratings

336 pages· 56,624 words· Est. 8 hour read

$16.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

Rahul Kapoor faces the daunting start of seventh grade in Indiana, armed with his grandfather's advice to excel at one thing. With bullies looming and his best friend Chelsea by his side, Rahul embarks on a quest to discover his hidden talent. But what if he finds he's not the best at anything? As he navigates school pressures and his feelings for classmate Justin, Rahul must confront the fear of not fitting in and the courage to embrace his true self. Will he find his place or remain lost in the crowd?

From the publisher

From award-winning actor Maulik Pancholy comes a hilarious and heartfelt middle grade debut about a gay Indian American boy coming into his own. One of Time Out’s “LGBTQ+ books for kids to read during Pride Month,” this is perfect for fans of Tim Federle’s Nate series. A Stonewall Honor Book!Rahul Kapoor is heading into seventh grade in a small town in Indiana. The start of middle school is making him feel increasingly anxious, so his favorite person in the whole world, his grandfather, Bhai, gives him some well-meaning advice: Find one thing you’re really good at and become the BEST at it.Those four little words sear themselves into Rahul’s brain. While he’s not quite sure what that special thing is, he is convinced that once he finds it, bullies like Brent Mason will stop torturing him at school. And he won’t be worried about staring too long at his classmate Justin Emery. With his best friend, Chelsea, by his side, Rahul is ready to crush this challenge…. But what if he discovers he isn’t the best at anything?Funny, charming, and incredibly touching, this is a story about friendship, family, and the courage it takes to live your truth. –Kacen Callender, Stonewall Award-winning author of Hurricane Child