So Much Good in Maulik Pancholy's The Best at It

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that I’ve loved for all it offers; am itching to recommend to anyone and everyone; and am so excited to teach in my own classroom as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Maulik Pancholy’s The Best at It wins that rare trifecta. I would even recommend listening to the audiobook as I did—something I, a book-in-hand kind of person, almost never do but had to in this instance because of the need to optimize my time. I am so, so glad I did. Pancholy narrates the audiobook, which adds to the culture and personality of the book as he lends authentic voices to his characters and the events.

As I think about the text and the myriad plot lines and themes, I have one concern about teaching the text: how do I do it all justice ? I pose that question because The Best at It highlights:

• Multigenerational relationships

• Bullying

• Failure and perseverance

• Development of the self and one’s identity

• Sexuality and orientation

• Intersectionalities

• Funds of knowledge and culture

• Friendship, popularity, and social dynamics

• Discrimination and advocacy

There is so much to investigate in the text, and I am wrestling with how best to bring it to life in my classroom! And yet, there is also so much to unpack in the life and experiences of adolescents, so maybe that’s part of teaching the text… working with students to identify what of everything Rahul has to navigate is relatable to each of them.

As I type this, an idea is forming: what if as a class we kicked off the unit with themes or issues in the text that students identify with? Then, we decide as a class what themes students really want to explore in depth. From there, students opt into small groups based on what theme each wants to interrogate. (I envision setting the requirement that all small groups are of equal size for distribution of work and the like, so some students may get their second choice.) After the groups explore their respective themes, each group would have a turn to teach the class about their theme.

Another way to teach the text would be to pair it with a social studies unit about India, immigration, multinational or multicultural celebrations, or the like.

How I ultimately teach The Best at It will evolve as I continue to develop as a preservice teacher and then a fully employed teacher. One thing is certain: I will teach this book… at least once my 13 year-old returns it.