Gopi compares everybody around him to a vegetable. His world comprises a capsicum, a carrot, a tomato, a sweet potato … The problem, of course, is that the moment he talks about it, he becomes Gobi, or worse, Fool Gobi. Trying to tell the bullies in class that it isn’t Fool, but Phool doesn’t help.
Being bullied, however, is not the only problem Gopi faces at Primrose Academy. Even though he has got admission thanks to the RTE act, the hidden charges—for school books and the like—are crippling. If he does not pay his dues by the end of the week, he has no choice but to leave.
Like the best of children’s stories, this is where a friend comes in—one who does not save the day, but instead helps Gopi save the day. Gopi’s life is worlds apart from Pari’s, but as they get to know each other, they make a plan, one that may just end up working out very differently from what they imagined.
Just like with Pinkoo Shergill (also by Vibha Batra), what I loved most about Gobi Goes Viral is the authenticity of tone. For instance, the class nicknames their teacher Bum-Chin—you can guess why—but the absolutely lovely thing is that they call him Bum-Chin Sir. It’s tiny details like this that make the story spring to life. Yes, children have naughty nicknames for teachers, but Bum-Chin Sir – yes, that’s what makes the story feel authentic.
Additionally, I’m always delighted to read more stories about the right to education. Young Zubaan has three books that I know of that touch upon RTE – The Misfits, Dear Mrs Naidu and my Sisters at New Dawn. But we always need more. We grow up in bubbles, and it’s through stories that we begin to venture out of our bubbles. The conversation Pari has with Gopi about how to pay his dues, for example, is perfect. Without ever being preachy, Gobi Goes Viral shows the reader just how different our lives can be, reminding us that all too often, luck, rather than merit, determines the course of our lives.
A funny, pacy book, Gobi Goes Viral is perfect for young readers who have ventured into chapter books and are transitioning to early middle grade books.
| Title | Gobi Goes Viral |
| Author | Vibha Batra |
| Tags | Humour, RTE, Friendship |
| Age-group | 8+ |
| Rating (out of 5) | 4.5 |
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