Save Me a Seat

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade multicultural realistic
• Originally Published: 2016
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 780L; grades 3-7
• Structure/Length: 5 parts; 49 chapters; approximately 261 pages; approximately 4 hours, 6 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: This story alternates between the perspectives of two fifth graders, Joe and Ravi. Joe, who has Auditory Processing Disorder, struggles with being bullied, while Ravi, newly arrived from India, has difficulties fitting into his American school. Their central conflict is dealing with a school bully while navigating their own unique challenges.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Bullying; cultural insensitivity; themes of immigration and adaptation; depiction of learning difficulties

Sarah Weeks, Author

• Bio: Born 1955; American author and singer-songwriter; has written numerous picture books and novels for young readers; often incorporates music into her writing; teaches writing at the New School University in New York City; works are recognized for their relatable characters and engaging storylines
• Other Works: So B. It (2004); Pie (2011); Honey (2015)

Gita Varadarajan, Author

• Bio: Born in Chennai, India; Indian-born American author and educator; teaches second grade in Princeton, New Jersey; passionate about sharing diverse stories that reflect the multicultural richness of today's classrooms; works often focus on cultural understanding and the immigrant experience
• Other Works:   My Bindi (2022)
• Awards: Nutmeg Book Award (2019); NAPPA Award (2016)