To Her Own Beat
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Pub Date Apr 13 2027 | Archive Date Apr 12 2027
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Description
“Heartbreakingly honest and tender-hearted, To Her Own Beat is a call to all the good girls who've ever been afraid to talk back. Sumati's voice pours out of the page, and it was a joy to see her learn to take up the space she deserves. Brinda Shah is an author to watch.” —Andrea Beatriz Arango, Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All
Thirteen-year-old Sumati Soni knows how to be a good kid.
She holds her tongue when relatives comment on her body. Stays quiet when a classmate throws hurtful words her way. Ignores those who make her Bharatanatyam dance class feel like torture.
She knows she should always show respect—after all, her name means “good thoughts” in Sanskrit—and she tries to express herself through poetry and dance without offending anyone. But as she prepares to perform a solo in dance class and at her sister’s wedding, the pressure builds. Even the people she hoped would be on her side, including her best friend and her mother, don’t seem to have her back.
Now Sumati must learn to speak up and confront the generational beauty standards that have shaped how she sees herself—or continue to be weighed down by it all.
- A JOYFUL, BODY-INCLUSIVE HEROINE: Sumati confronts fatphobia and hurtful expectations while growing into her confidence, claiming her space, and learning that her body is not something she needs to apologize for.
- ART AS A SOURCE OF STRENGTH: Poetry gives Sumati a place to say what she cannot speak aloud, while Bharatanatyam allows her to express herself through movement. Young writers, dancers, and other creative readers will recognize the power of art to offer both refuge and release.
- A NUANCED PORTRAIT OF FAMILY & CULTURE: Drawing on personal experience, author Brinda Shah explores how generational and cultural expectations can shape a child’s self-image and leaves room for characters to grow and change, becoming more supportive of kids of all body types.
- AN ACCESSIBLE NOVEL IN VERSE: Immediate, emotionally resonant poems make Sumati’s story especially inviting for reluctant readers, poetry lovers, and fans of acclaimed verse novels such as Starfish, Other Words for Home, and Inside Out and Back Again.
- FOR READERS FINDING THEIR OWN VOICE: A compelling choice for ages 10–14, as well as teachers, librarians, dancers, poets, and anyone drawn to stories about big emotions, Indian culture, self-acceptance, and standing up for yourself.
Advance Praise
A Junior Library Guild Selection
“A deeply felt, lyrical verse novel that explores body shaming, complexities of family ties, and beauty pressures, offering a necessary reminder of the strength found in trusting your own voice..”
—Suma Subramaniam, author of the V. Malar series
“Heartbreakingly honest and tender-hearted, To Her Own Beat is a call to all the good girls who've ever been afraid to talk back. Sumati's voice pours out of the page, and it was a joy to see her learn to take up the space she deserves. Brinda Shah is an author to watch.”
—Andrea Beatriz Arango, Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All
“Shah's poetry glows with movement and rhythm, bringing the reader into Sumati's world as a fat Bharatanatyam dancer and part of a loving albeit sometimes complicated family. Growing up as a fat kid I resonated deeply with Sumati's experiences especially navigating pressure and expectations about our bodies coming from people who we love most. Sumati's light and courage were a balm to younger me and I know she'll resonate with readers of all ages. This book is a song I didn't know I needed.”
— Robin Gow, award-winning author of Dear Mothman
“A poignant and uplifting book about believing in your inherent worth and beauty, no matter what others think. Shah’s verses pulse with hope and heart.” —Andrea Wang, Newbery Honor-winning author of Watercress
“Much like her inspiring main character, Sumati, Shah's debut novel-in-verse absolutely soars. A heartwarming and necessary tale of self-love, self-worth, and speaking up for what's right, To Her Own Beat is a must-read. Sumati's story will stay with me for years to come.”
—Kate Fussner, author of The Song of Us and 13 Ways to Say Goodbye
“A graceful, lyrical, and above all necessary book about taking up not only physical, but emotional, space in a world that wants you to be small. Sumati is a character I cheered for as she discovers her voice and self-worth. A powerful, body-positive debut that should be required reading!”
— Reem Faruqi, author of Unsettled and Golden Girl
“With warmth and unflinching honesty, this novel-in-verse celebrates resilience, cultural identity, and the radical act of self-acceptance in the face of being constantly measured and judged. Perfect for fans of Rajani LaRocca’s Red, White, and Whole, Brinda Shah’s To Her Own Beat is a moving story about rewriting the narrative others try to place on you, and learning to feel proud of who you are, exactly as you are.” — Mitali Banerjee Ruths, author of The Party Diaries series
“From the vibrant cast of characters to the Bharatanatyam dance descriptions, To Her Own Beat shines with heart and honesty. This is a journey of healing for anyone who has ever felt bruised by others' words. Sumati is fierce and beautiful, and it's a joy to see her stand up for the body she loves, with all its strength, power and size.” —Elisa Stone Leahy, author of Tethered to Other Stars and Mallory in Full Color
“To Her Own Beat made my heart soar. Truly an original and unique middle grade take on what it means to exist in a fat body and to find ways to celebrate and embrace yourself. Shah invites readers to look closely at where Western beauty standards come from and how they can learn to embrace a world much bigger than the one that is trying to cut them down to size. This is a refreshing book, full of heart and rhythm. It is so desperately needed for so many readers and I know without a doubt that middle schoolers are about to fall in love with Sumati. I did and you will too!.” —Angie Manfredi, middle school librarian and editor of The (Other) F Word
“An incredibly beautiful, and at times heartbreaking, debut novel-in-verse about a young plus-sized Indian American girl seeking grace and ultimately finding it in herself. I was moved to tears by the depth of Sumati’s self-reflection and the inner joy she attains from traditional dance.”
—Maya Prasad, author of Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things and the Sejal Sinha series
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781797241463 |
| PRICE | $18.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 312 |