This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Life can sometimes be difficult. In Sangeetha Narayan’s According to Dhruv, trouble seems to come in threes. At least for Dhruv, it does. His grandmother, Nani Ma, believes in prayer as the solution to all problems. But is it? Dhruv isn’t so sure. There’s a school bully, Logan, who’s making his life miserable, and that of his best friend, Paul, too. His teacher is insistent on giving the class tough assignments, but Dhruv is really struggling with the most recent one: to write what he believes. Does he believe? That’s his biggest dilemma. Now his father is seriously ill, and it’s scaring the entire family. Can Dhruv tackle his emotions of fear and faith? He’ll need a lot of courage to find his way in this difficult world.
Sangeetha Narayan’s middle-grade novel, According to Dhruv, is a relatable testament to faith and courage for young readers. The main character, Dhruv, combats emotions that many young people face, and the author presents his issues in a believable and compassionate way. The language is simple to encourage young readers to improve their reading skills. There is lots of dialogue, which also makes this book easy to read. Although the emotions presented are serious for young readers, the author also inserts humor and hope. The story is very realistic as it revolves around family, friends, bullies, and school. It also celebrates South Asian culture. At the end of the book, there is a glossary of East Indian terms used, a list of comprehensive questions to encourage interactive participation and to inspire discussion and deeper consideration of the themes, as well as an interesting author’s note that outlines her approach and inspiration for writing this story. Overall, this is a fantastic and empowering read.
