Book Review Save Me a Seat (Scholastic Gold)

This compelling middle-grade novel explores the challenges of navigating new schools and cultural differences through the alternating perspectives of two fifth-grade boys. Joe, who struggles with an auditory processing disorder, and Ravi, recently immigrated from India, both find themselves targeted by the same classroom bully while dealing with their own personal adjustments. The authors skillfully capture the authentic voices of children grappling with feeling different and finding their place in unfamiliar social landscapes.

What makes this friendship story particularly effective is how it demonstrates that connection can form even when children come from vastly different backgrounds and face distinct challenges. Parents seeking books that address bullying, empathy development, and cultural understanding will appreciate how the narrative naturally weaves these themes into the boys' growing awareness of their shared experiences. The resolution offers both hope and practical insight into how children can support one another through difficult transitions, making this an especially valuable read for students entering new educational environments or dealing with social pressures.