A teen writer tells the story of Veda who lives in India with her parents. It’s an engaging read and one ripe for discussion.

Using an effective diary type format, the first entry dated June 5, 2017 lets readers know that her dad has agreed to take on a new job in California. They will be moving there in July before Veda’s 5th grade year begins. Relocating during the summer is quite common, but a much smaller number of middle graders have moved to a new home in a different country.

Veda hates to leave her best friends. She balances that hurt by hoping for a new adventure in America. Veda soon finds prejudice as other kids avoid her at an American elementary school. The sixth grade year is even worse as she is constantly humiliated.

Veda has two choices and can either hide who she really is or face the hurt head on. November 25, 2019 is the final chapter that brings Veda to her courageous decision.

I AM NOT WHO YOU SEE moves along at a nice pace and will have you rooting for Veda. Included on many of the pages are illustrations emphasizing the emotional impact of her first two years in the U.S. A great debut that will appeal to not only the “New Kid” but also others who will benefit from seeing a different side to acceptance.

​About the Author
Krishnni Khanna was born in India in 2007 and moved to the United States with her parents in 2017. Krishnni is a high schooler, author and TEDx speaker who advocates for the inner well-being of youth. In 2022 she created Detoximind, a student-led movement through which Krishnni and her team bring peer-based support to teens and youth grappling with stress, shame, exclusion and isolation. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her parents and their puppy Yuki.

Visit Krishnni at her website and on Instagram. You can also learn more about her by watching her TEDx Talk from earlier this year.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.