May 19, 2026 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Deepa has been dealing with leukemia and missed all of sixth grade, but has recently gone into remission. She still isn't able to play on the volleyball team or go to sleepovers, so feels disconnected from her best friend, Renée, who has started to hang out with Lola, whom Deepa doesn't like. Deepa's Uncle Jai is a struggling doctor who makes house calls, and is an excellent diagnostician who unfortunately lacks a good bedside manner. When the famous singer, Willa, calls for him, Deepa is allowed to go along. She is a big fan, so manages to calm Willa's temper, and her uncle is able to diagnose POTS that was set off by a concussion. Back at school, Deepa often gets tired, and has to use some of the "perks" of her illness, which include being able to have her phone with her, a place to take naps, and untimed tests. While sitting out of gym class, Deepa meets Manu, who embraces a Goth look complete with eyeliner, and participates in the schools Progress club, an LGBTQIA+ organization. When Uncle Jai asks Deepa to come along on another house call, Deepa is surprised to find herself at Lola's house. Lola's brother, Tayo, is an up and coming tennis player who has been having attacks of stomach cramps and suffering from a rash after returning from a summer tennis camp. Deepa struggles with all of the strictures her mother puts on her activities, and stops taking her pills because they make her feel bad. Uncle Jai can't figure out what's up with Tayo, and even crashes a party to take Tayo's blood after his coach gives Jai the wrong information. Deepa is excited when Willa sends tickets to her concert, but is dealing with friend drama with Renée and Lola. Will she be able to help diagnose Tayo, stay healthy, and navigate relationships in seventh grade?
Strengths: If you look at the number of medical investigation books and television shows available to adults, it's surprising that there hasn't been a middle grade version of House or Qunicy, M.D. Deepa's uncle taking her a long while he is "babysitting" her makes sense, and she has a lot of background in dealing with medical professional thanks to her own illness. This helps her understand what the patients are going through, and what they aren't telling her uncle. It makes sense that her parents are over protective, and also that she has grown apart from Renée. While there are a lot of challenges in Deepa's life, and she doesn't always feel great, there are plenty of happier moments, like the concert and a family Diwali celebration.
Weaknesses: There was a lot of friend drama going on, and was woven into the book in a way that made the story a bit hard to follow. I would have liked to see more of the medical diagnosis or even Deepa's struggles with leukemia described instead.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who were interested in the medical and social implications of surviving middle school with cancer and found Dee's Halfway Normal, Gephart's Abby, Tried and True, Harrell's Wink compelling.
Strengths: If you look at the number of medical investigation books and television shows available to adults, it's surprising that there hasn't been a middle grade version of House or Qunicy, M.D. Deepa's uncle taking her a long while he is "babysitting" her makes sense, and she has a lot of background in dealing with medical professional thanks to her own illness. This helps her understand what the patients are going through, and what they aren't telling her uncle. It makes sense that her parents are over protective, and also that she has grown apart from Renée. While there are a lot of challenges in Deepa's life, and she doesn't always feel great, there are plenty of happier moments, like the concert and a family Diwali celebration.
Weaknesses: There was a lot of friend drama going on, and was woven into the book in a way that made the story a bit hard to follow. I would have liked to see more of the medical diagnosis or even Deepa's struggles with leukemia described instead.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who were interested in the medical and social implications of surviving middle school with cancer and found Dee's Halfway Normal, Gephart's Abby, Tried and True, Harrell's Wink compelling.
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