by Jack Cheng (Author)
"Another beautiful book by Jack Cheng." --Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Award-winning author of Hello, Universe Creative and brave sixth grader Andy Zhou faces big changes at school and at home in this new novel by the award-winning author of See You in the Cosmos, for fans of When You Trap a Tiger and The Stars Beneath Our Feet
Andy Zhou is used to being what people need him to be: the good kid for his parents and now grandparents visiting from Shanghai, or the helpful sidekick to his best friend Cindy's rebellious plans and schemes.
So when Cindy decides they should try out for Movement at school on the first day of sixth grade, how can Andy say no? But between feeling out of place with the dancers, being hassled by his new science partner Jameel, and sensing tension between his dad and grandfather, Andy feels all kinds of weird.
Then, over anime, Hi-Chews, and Andy's lizard-inspired artwork, things shift between him and Jameel, opening up new doors--and also new complications. No matter how much Andy cares about his friends and family, it's hard not to feel pulled between all the ways he's meant to be, all the different faces he wears, and harder still to figure out if any of these masks is the real him.
"A joy and a journey." --Tae Keller, Newbery Award-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger
"Sincere . . . Perceptive . . . Captures the joys and complex anxieties of middle school." --Kirkus
"Beautiful . . . Recommended for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Nicole Melleby." --SLJ
"Realistic . . . Compelling." --Booklist
"There's an aching poignancy [that] will resonate with kids." --BCCB
"Andy's quiet courage and budding artistry have readers cheering him on." --Paula Yoo, National Book Award longlisted-author of From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry
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In Detroit, an artistic sixth grader facing changes at home and school seeks his identity in this contemplative novel from Cheng (See You in the Cosmos). Chinese American Andy Zhou prepares for his grandparents' arrival from Shanghai, working to help his family however he can. He also tries to be there for best friend and neighbor Cindy Shen, whose schemes involve bleaching their hair and auditioning for the school's dance club. But the bleach job results in bullying, dancing isn't really his thing, and Cindy soon starts spending time with new friends. As Andy encounters racist microaggressions at school and new worries at home, he joins the school's student-run production crew and--through art, anime, and a pet bearded dragon--finds common ground with his Chaldean American lab partner Jameel Zebari, who once bullied him. The changes nevertheless add up, impacting Andy's mental health and leaving him wondering who he really is. Cheng draws on personal experience, detailed in an author's note, to pen this novel of internal and interpersonal tensions that touches on mental health, disordered eating, and trichotillomania. Though some plot points feel abrupt, the message of becoming one's authentic self comes through loud and clear. Ages 10-up. (June)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Gr 5 Up--Andy Zhou is entering sixth grade with a lot on his plate. His best friend, Cindy, has decided they're both dyeing their hair blond and joining the after-school dance program Movement (without telling their parents). His grandparents are visiting from China for an unknown length of time. And, his irreverent classmate Jameel picks on him at every opportunity. Andy gets to know Jameel, and the two strike up a friendship while he feels Cindy growing more distant and changing physically. He copes with this and the declining health of his grandfather, Ah Dia, by sketching, pulling out his hair, and working on crew for Movement's production of Lord of the Flies. This is a gentle tale of juggling shifting friendships, tough secrets, and the weight of trying to make everyone happy. Andy's first-person narration is eminently readable; Cheng's comedic timing and poignant use of metaphor make it easy to picture Andy's anxiety and self-consciousness as he braves middle school. Rich descriptions abound of Andy's Chinese and Jameel's Chaldean cultures, including food, performance, and family dynamics. The plot has an open conclusion: nothing complex is fully "fixed," but Andy is on the road to making amends with those he loves and establishing his own identity. The novel opens with a content note for bullying, racism, trichotillomania, parental death, and anorexia, and Cheng's author's note includes a number of relevant support resources. VERDICT A beautiful, contemplative novel that will stay with readers. Recommended for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Nicole Melleby.--Ashleigh Williams
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.