Count Me In
on Goodreads (1,852)
What’s inside...
An uplifting story, told through the alternating voices of two middle-schoolers, in which a community rallies to reject racism. Karina Chopra would have never imagined becoming friends with the boy next door–after all, they’ve avoided each other for years and she assumes Chris is just like the boys he hangs out with, who she labels a pack of hyenas. Then Karina’s grandfather starts tutoring Chris, and she discovers he’s actually a nice, funny kid. But one afternoon something unimaginable happens–the three of them are assaulted by a stranger who targets Indian-American Karina and her grandfather because of how they look. Her grandfather is gravely injured and Karina and Chris vow not to let hate win. When Karina posts a few photos related to the attack on social media, they quickly attract attention, and before long her #CountMeIn post–'What does an American look like? #immigrants #WeBelong #IamAmerican #HateHasNoHomeHere'–goes viral and a diverse population begin to add their own photos. Then, when Papa is finally on the road to recovery, Karina uses her newfound social media reach to help celebrate both his homecoming and a community coming together.
Age
10-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Karina
Chris
Papa
Discussion points
What did you think about Karina and Chris's friendship? How did it change over the story?
How do you feel about the way Karina stood up against the hate crime?
Why do you think teamwork was important in 'Count Me In'?
What did you learn about courage and resilience from the characters?
How can we apply the lessons from the book to our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book's main events and relate them to their own experiences.
Discuss the significance of diversity and acceptance, drawing parallels to real-life scenarios.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of standing up for what is right and being supportive friends.
Highlight the growth of characters throughout the book to teach resilience in the face of challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Count Me In,' characters Karina and Chris develop a strong friendship despite their cultural differences, demonstrating empathy by supporting each other in difficult times.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and backgrounds, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding in real-world interactions with peers from different cultures.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: When Karina's grandfather is attacked in a hate crime, Karina and Chris use social media to spread awareness and stand up against injustice, showing bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to take a stand against wrongdoing and encourages them to be advocates for justice in their own communities.
Example Lesson: The Power of Community
Explanation: The neighborhood comes together to support Karina's family after the attack, illustrating how unity can help overcome challenges and heal wounds.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of community support and the impact of collective action, inspiring them to contribute positively to their local communities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Intergenerational Relationships
Explanation: The close bond between Karina and her grandfather highlights the value of family and the wisdom that older generations can impart to younger ones.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value their family ties, respect their elders, and seek guidance and knowledge from older family members.