(2) 4-6 In this graphic novel that blends serious themes and humor, the parental mantra "don't cause trouble" has been drilled into twelve-year-old Ming Lee's head for as long as he can remember. As a child of Chinese immigrants, he yearns to embrace the American dream but finds himself missing the mark. His mom insists on giving him the same bowl haircut year after year, shopping at thrift stores for clothes, and packing homemade dumplings for his school lunch, all of which sets him apart from his classmates and ruins his chances of being part of the in-crowd. Filled with episodes revolving around fitting in, encountering microaggressions and outright racism, maintaining religious faith, and grappling with self-acceptance, along with lighter moments, the book captures the ups and downs of middle school, largely drawn (per an author's note) from Chung's own life. The crisp line drawings are infused with vibrant colors and punctuated by Ming's sporadic doodles.

Reviewer: Jerry Dear | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(3) K-3 Reds, Blues, and Yellows (stick-limbed orbs with faces) lived "in color harmony" until discord led to a walled-off, divided-by-color city. When a Blue and a Yellow fall in love, marry, and create a new color (green), there's outrage ("Colors shouldn't mix!") before there's acceptance. This clever book's point about the folly of prejudice is reinforced by the visual loveliness when secondary-color offspring appear.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) K-3 In his note to Santa, young ninja Maxwell (Ninja!) claims he doesn't want anything this year, but "make sure you sit on this RED CHAIR! P.S. I hope you can't read minds." Chung's sly comic-panel illustrations reveal what the nimble text doesn't: Maxwell's stealthily rigged traps. His snares are effective, but not on his intended victim. "Papa? Those are Santa's cookies!"

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2017

(2) PS Mom and Dad ignore a toddler's cries to be taken "OUT!" of the crib; but dog Jo Jo comes running, and the child escapes: "Yay! Down" (the text is limited to one- or two-word speech bubbles). High jinks ensue in the paneled illustrations until toddler and Jo Jo curl up in the crib, asleep--although further adventures await, as at book's end when it's toddler's turn to liberate dog.

Reviewer: Megan Dowd Lambert | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2017

(3) K-3 Maxwell (the titular ninja) is on a quest for an opponent, but everyone is too busy to spar--until Mama, Papa, and little sister Cassy launch a surprise attack. Comic-strip illustrations rendered in pen, ink, and Photoshop include clever details and effectively convey Maxwell's frustration at his family's initial obliviousness. An eye-catching palette change accompanies their loving, ninja-action-packed reconciliation.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(2) K-3 Maxwell is a creative--and hungry!--young ninja. Chung's humorous and vibrant illustrations and simple text achieve the right pacing for Maxwell's singular mission: chocolate chip cookies. Maxwell's maneuvers are captured in digitally manipulated acrylic paintings with collage, through comic-style panels and double-page spreads rich with details both real and imagined. Readers will applaud Maxwell's over-the-top ninja antics.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2014