The Best at It.

Pancholy’s debut middle grade novel is a Stonewall Honor Book and was sold into development for television.

See pictures from Maulik’s 2019 Book Tour HERE.

Cover illustration: Parvati Pillai. Cover design: Cara Llewellyn.

Rahul Kapoor is heading into seventh grade in a small town in Indiana. The start of middle school is making him feel increasingly anxious, so his favorite person in the whole world, his grandfather Bhai, gives him some well-meaning advice. Find one thing you’re really good at. And become “the BEST at it.”

Those four little words sear themselves into Rahul’s brain. While he’s not quite sure what that special thing is, he is convinced that once he finds it, bullies like Brent Mason will stop torturing him at school. And he won’t be worried about staring too long at his classmate Justin Emery. With his best friend Chelsea by his side, Rahul is ready to crush this challenge….But what if he discovers he isn’t the best at anything?

“Every character in the story is nuanced and sympathetically rendered, and the book does not shy away from racism, sexism, ableism, or homophobia. The protagonist’s devastatingly honest voice pulls readers deeply into a fast-paced journey riddled with heartbreakingly authentic moments of anxiety, confusion, and triumph.”
— ★ Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“In his first novel, actor Pancholy creates a number of vivid characters, including Rahul, his grandfather, and his best friend, who counters his reluctance to join the nerdy Mathletes with ‘Ra, we are nerds! . . . That’s what makes us fun!’ An impressive first novel: well paced...and wholly engaging.”
— ★ American Library Association's Booklist (starred review)
“Pancholy draws from his own experiences as a young Indian American to create this funny, uplifting story about identity. With wit and sensitivity, Pancholy charts [Rahul’s] rocky path to pride in his layered identity. . .a powerful, positive message to young readers about choosing self-acceptance. ”
— ★ Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“THE BEST AT IT is proof that the most specific stories are often the most universal. Maulik Pancholy’s story of an Indian American boy trying to come to terms with all facets of his identity while proving his own worth is at once exuberant and heart-wrenching, brightened with assured, lived-in details and a hero who we love from the very first page. Every middle schooler will find themselves in this book. A wonderful, heartfelt debut.”
— Soman Chainani, NYT Bestselling Author of “The School for Good and Evil"
“A funny, fun, big-hearted book filled with characters to adore. Rahul’s journey toward learning to stand up for himself and finding his place in the world is achingly emotionally authentic and deeply resonant. This novel is a joy from beginning to end.”
— Anne Ursu, award-winning author of “Breadcrumbs” and “The Lost Girl"
“An emotional, earnest, and genuine journey to self-love that had me crying, laughing, and cheering Rahul on from beginning to end. Hilarious and heartbreaking and truly touching, I wanted nothing more than to reach through the pages and give Rahul a big hug for being brave, determined, and the best that he can be. This is a must-read for younger and older audiences alike.”
— Kacen Callender, Stonewall Book Award-winning author of "Hurricane Child"