Meow Means Mischief

When a scraggly, wide-eyed kitten comes meowing at her doorstep, Rana knows she's in for trouble.  Rana's family has just moved into a new house, her parents are about to take a week's vacation, and her grandparents are coming all the way from India to stay at their house for a week--they'll have no time to care for a new pet.  Especially one whose paws are everywhere they're not wanted, such as in her sister Tara's fishbowl and her grandmother's dinner.

But the kitty looks as lonely as Rana feels in her new school, and both of them could use a friend.  Can't her family make room for just one more?

Publisher: Holiday House, Inc., 2003

Reviews

"Nagda clearly understands the problems and concerns of middle-grade children, and her situations and upbeat solutions ring true.  Young readers will enjoy the humor, especially the image of a sari-clad Grandma packing a water pistol to keep Rana's kitten in line.  A secondary theme, involving Rana's feelings about being biracial, is also well handled, and Nagda wisely keeps it from dominating the story.  A solid choice for beginning chapter-book readers or as a primary-grade read-aloud."

--Booklist

"The way a stray animal is able to help the main character work through problems is reminiscent of Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie (Candlewick, 2000), but this story is lighter, simpler, and for a slightly younger audience.  The references to Indian culture are seamlessly worked into the plot."

--School Library Journal

"Nagda has written a rare story of depth for second and third graders.   All in all, it's a first-rate selection for new chapter book readers and a good read-aloud, as well."

Awards and Honors

A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, 2004

Land of Enchantment Book Award Nominee, 2005

Iowa Children's Choice Award Nominee, 2006

Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Award Nominee, 2006

Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award Nominee, 2006

Foreign editions: Japan