a novel by Melody Vega

Meet Jay Sharma, a spirited Indian-American middle schooler who's never had the chance to explore the ​land of his heritage. But when an unexpected move whisks him away from the bustling streets of New ​York City to the culturally vibrant Bengaluru, Jay finds himself thrust into a world of unfamiliar rules ​and rigid traditions. (Who would have thought that phones weren't allowed in classrooms?) As if that ​isn't enough, there's people's reactions of him being openly gay and living with his single mother. ​Suddenly, Jay becomes the center of attention in this new country, leaving him torn between two ​worlds. How he can ever truly be Indian when he's spent his life suppressing his Indianness to fit in ​America?

But as Jay immerses himself in the vibrant tapestry of Indian life, he realizes that, beneath the ​surface, people everywhere struggle with problems that are deeper and more complex than his own. ​Through newfound friendships and a burgeoning life in Bengaluru, Jay begins to embrace the idea that ​he can be both Indian and American simultaneously.

American-Born Indian is a funny and poignant tale that explores themes of cultural identity, self-​acceptance, and the journey to discovering one's true self in a new and unfamiliar land.

Melody Vega is a 15-year-old with a dream of becoming a published author ​before she turns 18. Fuelled by a love of books and storytelling since she ​was young, she took to writing seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic, ​and started the blog Melody’s Hub in August 2020 to showcase some of ​her early work. The blog has since amassed over 10,000 views and also ​has a Tumblr sideblog. She draws upon her experiences as a Gen-Z ​teenager to write candidly about the younger generation of India.