Forward Me Back to You

Katina King, a martial arts champion from California, transfers to a private school in Massachusetts after experiencing trauma. There she meets Robin Thornton, an adopted teen from India who struggles with questions about his birth family and identity. The two students join their church youth group's summer service trip to Kolkata, India. Their work at an anti-trafficking organization brings them into contact with survivors and activists, while Robin searches for connections to his past. Through their parallel journeys in India, both teens confront personal challenges and find new purpose. The story speaks to themes of healing, identity, and the power of choosing to help others even while dealing with one's own wounds.

Readers highlight the authentic portrayal of adoption, trauma recovery, and cross-cultural experiences. The book resonates with adoptees and survivors of assault, with many noting its sensitive handling of difficult topics. Likes: - Complex character development, especially Kat's journey - Accurate depiction of Kolkata and Indian culture - Balance of serious themes with moments of hope - Representation of faith without being preachy Dislikes: - Some found the pacing slow in the first third - A few readers wanted more closure with certain character arcs - Minor complaints about romantic subplot feeling underdeveloped Ratings: Goodreads: 4.14/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (80+ ratings) Kirkus Reviews: Starred Review Notable reader comment: "This book handles trauma without defining characters by their pain. The healing feels earned, not magical." - Goodreads reviewer "The dual perspectives work well and the India sections transport you there." - Amazon reviewer

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🔸 Author Mitali Perkins was born in India and immigrated to the United States at age seven, similar to some of her characters who navigate multiple cultural identities. 🔸 The book tackles the serious issue of human trafficking in India, particularly focusing on the trafficking of young girls in Kolkata's red-light district. 🔸 The martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which plays a significant role in the story, is actually used in real-life self-defense programs for survivors of assault and trafficking. 🔸 The character of Kat/Katina King was inspired by Perkins' observations of adoptees during her time living in South Korea, where she witnessed the complex emotions of adoptees returning to their birth country. 🔸 Many of the organizations and places mentioned in the book's Kolkata sections are based on real institutions working to combat trafficking and support survivors in India.