Karthik has a great memory, but what is that good for? All it's done lately is help him remember delivery orders for his dad's store. However, when a customer offers another way to put his memory to use, he gains a new perspective in this ambitious middle-grade coming-of-age novel.
Fourteen-year-old Karthik thinks in lists and can memorize most things without trying, like all 50 flavors at Carmine's Ice Cream Parlor. But instead of spending the summer eating said ice cream with his friends, Karthik's dad has him delivering groceries to help keep the family's struggling store afloat after the financial crisis of 2007-2008. During one delivery, Karthik meets Shanthi, a grad student working on her first play. Shanthi is convinced he's perfect for the starring role of Leonard "Lenny" Bernstein. As the son of Indian immigrants who has no background in acting, Karthik is skeptical. But when he decides to give it a try, Karthik's worldview and sense of self expand.
Karthik Delivers by Sheela Chari (The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel; Finding Mighty) is a memorable, contemporary story about growing up and learning about yourself. Karthik grapples with timeless teen issues--fitting in, bullying, parental pressures--as well as more modern problems that might parallel issues kids are dealing with today. Chari focusing Shanthi's play on Leonard Bernstein builds in a fun West Side Story soundtrack. Karthik's categorical lists about the other characters--"Miles (short, glasses, crossword)"--provide quick and often telling introductions. At its center, Karthik Delivers is about finding your own path at any age and daring to follow it. --Kyla Paterno, freelance reviewer