That Asian Kid by Savita Kalhan

Book of the Week: 12 January 2020

Images by iStock and Shutterstock. Cover design by Emma Rogers

Your teacher keeps giving you poor marks, but you think your essays are just as good as those of your friend Tom who is in the same class. You even suspect that the reason for her antagonism may be the colour of your skin, but your friends and family tell you that you are a bit of a ‘smart-alex’ and may have too high an opinion of your own work. Then, one day as you take a shortcut home through the woods, you discover this same teacher has a secret that could end her career. Should you reveal it?

This tense story of Jeevan’s moral dilemma gives the reader plenty to think about – just as you think he has made a choice, the situation changes or new information comes to light and he is thrown into further state of anxiety. Jeevan is surrounded by some likeable and well-drawn characters in the shape of family and friends. Even if you would choose a totally different course of action, you can’t help but empathise with him and find so much of the story warm-hearted and believable.