Check out my full video review: https://youtu.be/ehAfSN5-7Ew

American as Paneer Pie follows Lekha who always has struggled fitting in at school, being the only Indian girl. Then a new family moves in next door and they are also an Indian family! Finally someone understands the culture Lekha has come from, but it turns out Avantika has a very different attitude towards bullying, she does not take this quietly as Lekha always have..

Finally getting around to write a review for this, even though my video review has been up for ages. This middle-grade book is a great story with a lot of heart. Lekha finding pride for where her family comes from, discovering her voice and finding a real friend that understands her was heartwarming to read about. Her trying to fit in at school, dealing with the racism that happens in the community was heartbreaking, but still important and gut-wrenching. I think the author balanced everything that was happening in this book well. The character growth and everything Lekha goes through seems very real and authentic. It has some really great moments and hopefully lots of different young people can find joy in this book. Would recommend a lot. 4/5 stars.