Fitting Indian: A Graphic Novel

Description

This debut teen graphic novel from social media influencer Jyoti Chand and rising star illustrator Tara Anand follows one girl’s journey navigating high school and her mental health within a traditional South Asian family. Perfect for fans of Netflix’s Never Have I Ever and Tillie Walden’s Spinning.

All Nitasha’s parents want is for her to be the perfect Indian daughter–something she is decidedly not. Everything she does seems to disappoint them, especially her mom. They just don’t get that she’ll never be like her doctor older brother. To make matters worse, she’s never quite felt like she belongs at school either, and lately, her best friend, Ava, and her crush, Henry, seem to be more interested in the rich new girl than in her.

Alcohol takes the edge off, but when that doesn’t work, Nitasha turns to cutting. She can’t stop asking herself: Will she ever be enough for her friends or her family? Or even for herself?

This authentic and powerful teen graphic novel shines a light on how harmful the stigma of mental illness is and how lifesaving a community that is honest about mental health can be.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Contributors: Jyoti Chand, Tara Anand (Illustrator)
Published: 05/13/2025
Publisher: Harperalley
ISBN: 9780063237544
Pages: 288
Weight: 1.60lbs
Size: 1.00″ H x 9.30″ L x 6.50″ W

About the Author
Anand, Tara: –

Tara Anand is an award-winning illustrator and visual artist from Mumbai, India, based in New York City. Her work has appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times, and the LA Times, on Netflix, and more. Fitting Indian is her debut graphic novel. Visit her at taraanandart.com/about.

Chand, Jyoti: –

Jyoti Chand, a.ka. @Mamajotes across social platforms, is a dynamic writer, comedian, and passionate advocate for self-care and maternal mental health. FITTING INDIAN is Jyoti’s first book and she is currently working on her second graphic novel with First Second Books, among other creative projects. Jyoti’s work inspires others to embrace the joy and authenticity in their own lives. With a foundation in stand-up comedy and improv, Jyoti captivates audiences through her highly engaging content across social and digital platforms, offering an unfiltered look into the realities of motherhood. Represented by Haley Henning at Glossary Artists. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University Originally from Los Angeles, she now resides in the Chicago suburbs with her family. Follow her journey at @mamajotes or visit her at mamajotes.com