(2) YA Shang finds the right blend of serious and comedic in this novel about friendship, grief, and tween romance. Musical theater fan Chloe Wong, still grieving the loss of her mother, an ER doctor who died from COVID-19, yearns to attend her middle school's Broadway trip, but she's afraid her widowed inventor father cannot afford the $375 ticket. Determined to pay her way to New York City, Chloe (with best friend Sabrina's help) brainstorms money-making ideas involving the Tea Palace, where her show tune–hating classmate/sometimes crush, Henry, happens to work. Several screwball events ensue when Chloe gets banned from the tea shop after confronting the local mean girl and eventually starts her own bubble tea business with help from friends and family. (Foodies will enjoy the detailed descriptions of the flavors and bubble tea–making process.) Some of the novel's strongest passages are also the most heartfelt: those focusing on Chloe missing her mother, the kindness Henry shows Chloe, and the epiphany our protagonist reaches at the end. "The house was never going to be like it was with Mom, but we could still have love, just a different kind, with different people and creatures. And happiness. And mistakes."

Reviewer: Michelle Lee | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023

(2) 4-6 Shang (coauthor of Not Your All-American Girl, rev. 3/21) takes the little-known fact that several Asian American men fought in the Civil War and works it into a contemporary story about bullying, cultural acceptance, and forgiveness. Evan Pao, twelve, is the new kid in (fictional) Haddington, Virginia. His family has relocated from California for a fresh start after his father's get-rich-quick scheme nearly bankrupts them. Although Evan makes some new friends, he is constantly harassed by a classmate. He also wonders about his place in this small, mostly white, Southern town where many students take pride in their Confederate ancestors. While preparing for "Battlefield Day," a Civil War reenactment celebration, Evan excitedly shares information with his class about Chinese Union soldiers. His house is shot at the next day, seemingly in retaliation. In the aftermath of this harrowing event, the characters explore any possibility of reconciliation. The novel's strongest parts occur when Evan questions why "the whole history" of the Civil War isn't widely represented: Shang includes short passages on glossing over slavery in the classroom, honoring women who fought in the Civil War, and debating the removal of a Confederate statue.

Reviewer: Michelle Lee | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2022

(2) 4-6 This follow-up to This Is Just a Test stars Lauren Le Yuan Horowitz, sister of the previous book's protagonist. In 1984 suburban Virginia, Lauren is starting sixth grade secure in the "Royal We" of herself and her best friend, Tara. Auditioning for the school musical, Lauren--a talented singer who nails her "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" rendition--is disappointed to be cast in the ensemble while Tara snags the lead. The show is about a 1950s "All-American Town," and according to the drama teacher, Chinese and Jewish Lauren doesn't fit the part. Casual racism and microaggressions abound through Lauren's day-to-day interactions with friends, community members, and even '80s pop culture (i.e., squirming her way through Sixteen Candles). Her growing love for country music (with an extended vignette about mistaking Patsy Cline for Jewish) helps boost her confidence, as do new friendships with her ensemble-mates. A side story about Lauren's paralegal mom contemplating law school--and our protagonist's bratty reaction--leads to support and understanding. Lauren's two peppy grandmothers, in continual competition for matriarchal domination, are back, providing generational wisdom and snappy comic relief. A button-making business, a Sun In hair mishap, a Hula-Hooping janitor--all add levity and scene-setting detail to this entertaining and thoughtful coming-of-age story.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2021

(3) 4-6 David Da-Wei Horowitz (who is Jewish and Chinese) is preparing for his January 1984 bar mitzvah. But reading Torah "in front of about a zillion people" is the least of his problems considering the arguing between his culturally different grandmothers, drama in his middle-school friend group, and the real possibility of nuclear war. A realistic coming-of-age novel filled with witty yet sensitive cultural observations.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 In 1972 Pittsburgh, Peter Lee's mother falls into a deep depression upon the death of his older brother. Peter tries to reach her through baseball, a joy they all share as a family, though Peter struggles with the strict coaching of his traditional Chinese dad. The story's humorous and heartrending moments guide the Lees from the darkness of their grief.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) 4-6 Ruined; that's what Lucy thinks her plans are for making sixth grade the best year ever when Great-aunt Yi Po visits from China. Now Lucy must share her room and go to Chinese School. In this engaging, realistic story about bridging cultural divides, Lucy's concerns are those of a typical American kid who learns to appreciate her family's heritage.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute