Vanished by Sheela Chari

Vanished by Sheela Chari
Disney-Hyperion, 2011
336 pages
Book Source: This copy was an e-book ARC from NetGalley.com. The release date is set for August 9, 2011.

Eleven-year-old Neela dreams of being a famous musician, performing for admiring crowds on her traditional Indian stringed instrument. Her particular instrument used to be her grandmother’s—made of warm, rich wood, and intricately carved with a mysterious-looking dragon. When this special family heirloom vanishes from a local church, Neela is devastated. As she searches for it, strange clues surface: a teakettle ornamented with a familiar-looking dragon, a threatening note, a connection to a famous dead musician, and even a legendary curse. The clues point all the way to India, where it seems that Neela's intrument has a long history of vanishing and reappearing. If she is able to track it down, will she be able to stop it from disappearing again?
-- Summary from GoodReads.com

Judging by the cover...: There is something about this type of cover that calls me. It looks just like the covers from The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series by Mary Wood. The drawings say to me, "Read me, I'll be extremely fascinating." And if you think that's crazy, then you should know that the voice is usually right.

Favorite Elements:

• Musicians - Neela is dedicated to learning how to play the veena, even when she doesn't feel confident in her ability. Musicians have a type of passion that radiates from them, calling attention to their ability and love.
  
• Crazy Instruments - Take it from the girl who played the bassoon, crazy instruments are AWESOME. People might not have heard of the veena, but they will know what it is after you show just how cool it is.
• Blending In/Standing Out - Neela's parents bring something different to the table in this book. We are constantly shown families who have moved from one culture to another and refuse to give up the old ways, making their children choose between offending their parents and fitting in, or being an outcast for life. The Krishnans have chosen to encourage their children to embrace both Indian and American cultures, taking the good parts of both, and in doing so, have well-adjusted kids. Neela feels sorry for her friend, Pavi, who is sheltered by her Indian parents, making her wear a bindi and staying away from boys completely.

Overall: A-
I don't remember what I expected this book to be before I read it, but it turned out to be completely different in reality. And I was quite pleasantly surprised. Neela is such a strong character, and I'd give anything to be her friend (well, back when I was in 6th grade, anyway). I was a tad bit nervous about the Indian culture aspect of the plot, not knowing a lot about it. I shouldn't have had any worries, though, because Chari explains everything we need to know without making us feel ignorant. The mystery of what happened to Neela's veena is non-stop action, and kept this reader on the edge of her seat.

Recommendation: This middle grade read, rich in culture and with a dash of romance, is perfect for girls ages 10 to 12, but boys will be drawn in by the mystery.

Similar Books: The Ring of Rocamador and The Vanishing Violin by Michael Beil (both in the Red Blazer Girls series).