• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Shivani only left Mumbai a few months ago.

But she isn't feeling like such an outsider anymore. She likes her new school and she finally has a best friend. But when her mother volunteers for the school's annual fundraiser, Shivani is sure she will completely embarrass her. Especially if she cooks one of the "stinky" dishes that Shivani loves but is too ashamed to eat in front of her friends.

On the day of the fair, the moment Shivani walks into the gym, she knows her worst fears have come true: the unmistakable scent of Indian spices is in the air. But then she sees that dozens of people are lined up at her mom's stall. It's the most popular one!

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Available in French as Vive le poulet!.

Mahtab Narsimhan is the author of several critically acclaimed books, including Silver Birch Award winner The Third Eye. Her novel, The Tiffin (Dancing Cat Books, 2011), was nominated for numerous awards in Canada and was recently published in the United Kingdom and Taiwan. Mission Mumbai is her publishing debut in the United States. Mahtab is a native of Mumbai, India, and lives in Toronto, Canada. Visit her online at www.mahtabnarsimhan.com.

Mahtab Narsimhan's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

"Narsimhan presents an honest look at the dilemmas faced by teens as they transition from one culture to another, while simultaneously showing the strength of familial support and love. This quick read in the Orca Currents series is filled with angst tinged with humor and explores topics relevant to the lives of teens."

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"This is an honest, heartwarming story that any student will understand because teens need to fit in, cultural differences or not. Perhaps reading this well-written story will help teens support those who are different no matter what their differences may be."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials