American-born Maya is torn between two cultures - trying to be the perfect Indian child or following her own dreams of being a film maker. With strict parents, a potential love triangle, (but this fizzles pretty quickly) and a supportive aunt who understands going against traditional values, Maya must decide whether to follow her dreams of film school at NYU or her parents' dreams.

Ahmed has a great balance of tackling difficult themes without making the book too heavy for the age. She doesn't sugarcoat - she exposes the reality of what happens in these communities when an terrible event occurs. Recommended.