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Pippa Park #2
Crush at First Sight
Join Pippa Park as she juggles friendships, peer pressure, crushes, and family.
Korean American Pippa Park picks up right where she left off . . . trying to balance basketball, school, friends, working at the struggling family laundromat, and fitting in. Eliot, her math tutor—and the cutest boy at school—is finally paying attention to her. And Marvel—her childhood friend—is making her required volunteering much more interesting. But things with the Royals, her new friends and teammates who rule the school, still feel a bit rocky. Especially because Caroline, a head Royal, would like nothing more than to see Pippa fail.
So when Pippa is faced with hosting the annual Christmas Eve party that could make or break her social life, how can she say no? Will Pippa make enough money to cover the costs while juggling crushes and everything else? With courage and determination, Pippa sets out to host the party, find the perfect dress, pick the right boy, and stay true to her real self.
Korean American Pippa Park picks up right where she left off . . . trying to balance basketball, school, friends, working at the struggling family laundromat, and fitting in. Eliot, her math tutor—and the cutest boy at school—is finally paying attention to her. And Marvel—her childhood friend—is making her required volunteering much more interesting. But things with the Royals, her new friends and teammates who rule the school, still feel a bit rocky. Especially because Caroline, a head Royal, would like nothing more than to see Pippa fail.
So when Pippa is faced with hosting the annual Christmas Eve party that could make or break her social life, how can she say no? Will Pippa make enough money to cover the costs while juggling crushes and everything else? With courage and determination, Pippa sets out to host the party, find the perfect dress, pick the right boy, and stay true to her real self.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2022
28 people are currently reading
5781 people want to read
About the author
Erin Yun
7 books83 followersErin Yun grew up in Frisco, Texas. She received her BA in English from New York University and is currently pursuing her Masters in Creative Writing at Cambridge. Erin is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She developed the Pippa Park Author Program, an interactive writing workshop, which she has conducted in person and virtually at schools, libraries, and bookstores. Yes, she used to play basketball as a middle grader!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 23, 2023
Perfect for the target audience! This book is exactly what we go through during our younger days, confused and trying to figure out lots of things everyday.
I specifically love the friendship vibes in the story. Our main character, Pippa, has a crush this time and she's anxious and confused about it.
I love the writing. I love the realistic characters with the exact stage of the age representation. I also appreciate the multicultural representation.
I don't know about the adult and young adult readers but I would say the middle grade readers will appreciate this one.
Such a good series. All the confusion and fun of growing up!
Waiting for the next book!
Thank you, Fabled Film Press, for the advance reading copy.
I specifically love the friendship vibes in the story. Our main character, Pippa, has a crush this time and she's anxious and confused about it.
I love the writing. I love the realistic characters with the exact stage of the age representation. I also appreciate the multicultural representation.
I don't know about the adult and young adult readers but I would say the middle grade readers will appreciate this one.
Such a good series. All the confusion and fun of growing up!
Waiting for the next book!
Thank you, Fabled Film Press, for the advance reading copy.
May 26, 2022
*4.5 stars*
Pippa lives with her older sister and brother-in-law, who have raised her since she was very small. It's December, and their mother usually travels to the US for the holidays, but this year she isn't able to come. This is the first indication Pippa has that this Christmas might not be the best. She's also trying desperately to fit in the Royals, the group of popular girls she made headway with in the first book (full confession, I haven't read that one, but definitely intend to). On top of that, her best friend from her old school and her best friend from her new school are dating, and Pippa feels abandoned. So she jumps at a chance to host the fancy Royals Christmas Eve party - only she doesn't have the space or the money to do so!
I didn't pick up the first Pippa book because I thought it would be sports heavy (I'm not a huge sports book fan), but I obviously missed out! Pippa does play basketball, but it's not central to this novel. She's also crushing on boys (in a way that is very believable for the tween set), desperately earning money from babysitting gigs, and half a dozen other things. Despite the frenetic nature of this book, it doesn't feel cluttered. I enjoyed Pippa's escapades, and I think tween readers will enjoy them too.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Pippa lives with her older sister and brother-in-law, who have raised her since she was very small. It's December, and their mother usually travels to the US for the holidays, but this year she isn't able to come. This is the first indication Pippa has that this Christmas might not be the best. She's also trying desperately to fit in the Royals, the group of popular girls she made headway with in the first book (full confession, I haven't read that one, but definitely intend to). On top of that, her best friend from her old school and her best friend from her new school are dating, and Pippa feels abandoned. So she jumps at a chance to host the fancy Royals Christmas Eve party - only she doesn't have the space or the money to do so!
I didn't pick up the first Pippa book because I thought it would be sports heavy (I'm not a huge sports book fan), but I obviously missed out! Pippa does play basketball, but it's not central to this novel. She's also crushing on boys (in a way that is very believable for the tween set), desperately earning money from babysitting gigs, and half a dozen other things. Despite the frenetic nature of this book, it doesn't feel cluttered. I enjoyed Pippa's escapades, and I think tween readers will enjoy them too.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
June 20, 2022
Pippa Park wants to be part of the Royals, the name the cool, popular girls have given themselves. They are everything Pippa wants to be, and she plays basketball with them, and they have sort of invited her into their group, that is, if she will host the annual Christmas party.
Pippa is at a private school, on scholarship, so have no idea how she is going to manage this, and stresses for the entire month, and most of the book, trying to figure it out.
It is the usual middle-grade story of trying to fit in, with the added twist that Pippa is Korean-American, and her family run a laundromat, and money is tight. Plus, her mother has gone back to South Korea, and can't make it home for Christmas, and she is living with her older sister and brother-in-law.
Throughout the book, Pippa knows what she must do, but she internalizes so much, that she doesn't want to tell anyone what is wrong. She keeps hoping that by thinking about it, things will magically all turn out.
Good story, though a little slow in places, while Pippa just internalizes. But, like any good story, the most important thing we all need to do is communicate.
Thanks to Netgalley and Edelweiss for making this book available for an honest review.
Pippa is at a private school, on scholarship, so have no idea how she is going to manage this, and stresses for the entire month, and most of the book, trying to figure it out.
It is the usual middle-grade story of trying to fit in, with the added twist that Pippa is Korean-American, and her family run a laundromat, and money is tight. Plus, her mother has gone back to South Korea, and can't make it home for Christmas, and she is living with her older sister and brother-in-law.
Throughout the book, Pippa knows what she must do, but she internalizes so much, that she doesn't want to tell anyone what is wrong. She keeps hoping that by thinking about it, things will magically all turn out.
Good story, though a little slow in places, while Pippa just internalizes. But, like any good story, the most important thing we all need to do is communicate.
Thanks to Netgalley and Edelweiss for making this book available for an honest review.
August 15, 2022
Such a fun middle grade read! Well paced and interesting to those at this reading stage :)
February 22, 2023
3-3.25/5
July 31, 2022
My own daughter is about to start middle school and I’ve been on the lookout for books with a good mix of romance and friend drama, as those are two topics that will start to become more prevalent in middle school. This book had both, and is the exact type of book that I think she’ll enjoy and relate to.
Pippa was pretty independent for a 7th grader. And the dilemma she found herself in was very believable! I can see my own daughter doing the exact same thing, although hopefully coming to me a little bit earlier. I liked how Pippa tried to problem solve on her own, and I empathized with how she felt as she’s adjusting to a new school and group of friends.
The crush part was realistic as well. I can remember having so many crushed at that age, and often having multiple at the same time! Her best friends who are dating was relatable as well. While 7th grade is young, plenty of 7th graders have boyfriends/girlfriends and it’s very much a part of middle school and growing up.
The friendship part was interesting, and seeing Pippa navigate her new friend group will be very relatable to kids. My own daughter will need to make some new friends as several of her close friends will be going to a new school in the fall. I’m glad that books like this exist so kids realize that it’s a common occurrence that others experience as well.
I think this will be a great series for my daughter! I’m grateful for diverse representation and characters that look like my kids, and thankful to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.
Pippa was pretty independent for a 7th grader. And the dilemma she found herself in was very believable! I can see my own daughter doing the exact same thing, although hopefully coming to me a little bit earlier. I liked how Pippa tried to problem solve on her own, and I empathized with how she felt as she’s adjusting to a new school and group of friends.
The crush part was realistic as well. I can remember having so many crushed at that age, and often having multiple at the same time! Her best friends who are dating was relatable as well. While 7th grade is young, plenty of 7th graders have boyfriends/girlfriends and it’s very much a part of middle school and growing up.
The friendship part was interesting, and seeing Pippa navigate her new friend group will be very relatable to kids. My own daughter will need to make some new friends as several of her close friends will be going to a new school in the fall. I’m glad that books like this exist so kids realize that it’s a common occurrence that others experience as well.
I think this will be a great series for my daughter! I’m grateful for diverse representation and characters that look like my kids, and thankful to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.
September 7, 2022
This adorable sequel perfectly captures the endearing awkwardness of tweenhood, as Pippa deals with pressure to fit in, self-esteem, friend drama, and not one, but *two* crushes (I’m Team Marvel all the way). Pippa herself continues to be a relatable protagonist who is quite easy to empathize with (at times, it felt like I was reading my own middle school diary)!
Speaking from a personal level as an Asian-American, I specifically resonated with Pippa’s experiences and relationship to her AAPI cultural identity. Not only does Book 2 thoughtfully address issues such as microaggression and family dynamics, but elements of Pippa’s Korean heritage are also woven throughout the story.
As an older sister, it’s both heartwarming and refreshing to see the experiences of young AAPI girls represented in such a relatable and entertaining way, and to know that the future of middle-grade lit is bright! I’m always on the lookout for books that me and my 11-year-old sister (who’s starting middle school this year) can both enjoy.
As someone who enjoyed the first book in the series, I was beyond excited to read the ARC for Book 2- and I was blown away!
Speaking from a personal level as an Asian-American, I specifically resonated with Pippa’s experiences and relationship to her AAPI cultural identity. Not only does Book 2 thoughtfully address issues such as microaggression and family dynamics, but elements of Pippa’s Korean heritage are also woven throughout the story.
As an older sister, it’s both heartwarming and refreshing to see the experiences of young AAPI girls represented in such a relatable and entertaining way, and to know that the future of middle-grade lit is bright! I’m always on the lookout for books that me and my 11-year-old sister (who’s starting middle school this year) can both enjoy.
As someone who enjoyed the first book in the series, I was beyond excited to read the ARC for Book 2- and I was blown away!
September 8, 2022
A fun, entertaining read with lots of heart. My kids and I loved this book: as an educator and parent, it can be difficult to find books that are engaging AND have educational value, but the Pippa Park Series does not disappoint.
In book #2, Pippa faces a slew of challenges that would leave any middle-schooler reeling: planning the perfect party, impressing her new friends, and figuring out her growing crushes on two different boys. For me, what sets Pippa Park apart from the rest is the authenticity that drives her story; despite all of the chaos, we are taught the value of true friendship, kindness, and being yourself- lessons I love to teach my family + students.
Much like in Book 1, I appreciated the cultural references that were incorporated throughout the book highlighting a need for mindfulness when it comes to intersectional experiences (not to mention the food–I need to try kkori gomtang!)
Overall, a must-read window & mirror series for ages 9-12.
In book #2, Pippa faces a slew of challenges that would leave any middle-schooler reeling: planning the perfect party, impressing her new friends, and figuring out her growing crushes on two different boys. For me, what sets Pippa Park apart from the rest is the authenticity that drives her story; despite all of the chaos, we are taught the value of true friendship, kindness, and being yourself- lessons I love to teach my family + students.
Much like in Book 1, I appreciated the cultural references that were incorporated throughout the book highlighting a need for mindfulness when it comes to intersectional experiences (not to mention the food–I need to try kkori gomtang!)
Overall, a must-read window & mirror series for ages 9-12.
January 5, 2023
I read the first book last year when i was supposed to be packing all my books into boxes during all the moving countries chaos. instead i wound up spending an hour and a half being overly emotionally attached to the dating lives of 7th graders. i never experienced 7th grade - so i’m living vicariously through pippa ig. anyways, this book is cute and made me smile.
August 13, 2022
In this second book of the Pippa Park series, Pippa is in trouble when she agrees to host a massive Christmas party for the Royals. She is completely overwhelmed trying to schedule catering and decorations and entertainment for the party, plus she has to find the perfect dress and the perfect date! She still has a huge crush on Eliot, her math tutor, but there is a new boy in her life, Marvel, who is helping out with the church Christmas pageant. Which boy will Pippa ask to be her date to the party? Assuming she can actually manage to host the party without disappointing the Royals and everyone else.
This series retelling of Dicken's "Great Expectations" is utterly brilliant from start to finish!
Instead of "Pip", the main character is Pippa. And most of the main characters found in "Great Expectations" have their counterparts in Pippa's story.
However, although many plot points and character roles are similar to "Great Expectations", this book has its own voice, its own story, and its own delightful style!
I loved learning more about Pippa's Korean-American culture. Pippa lives with her sister and brother-in-law, while her mother has stayed in Korea.
One of my favorite characters is Jung-Hwa, Pippa's brother-in-law. He really functions like a father figure in her life, encouraging her and working hard to support the family.
I loved the complexity of Pippa's relationship with her sister, Mina. Mina is tough on Pippa, nagging her about her grades, her chores, but she obviously loves Pippa very much.
And they have their own special traditions for Christmas with their unique cultural flair that is a mixture of lots of different traditions from different cultures.
Of course, Pippa gets a crush on the new guy, while she still has a crush on Eliot. She wonders how she can possibly like two boys at the same time, and she is very confused trying to sort out her emotions. The descriptions of how she feels, what she thinks, how she worries about her appearance, and wants to be cool to impress the guys... all these things are so spot on and expressive. It really puts you right into Pippa's shoes.
I was so intrigued to read more about the "cool" girls group, The Royals. Their friendship dynamic is very complex, as each girl has her own personality and social power. Pippa still doesn't feel very secure in her friendship with them, but it was incredible to see the character development as we learn more about this group of friends.
I was delighted with how serious, comedic, and wild this plot ended up being. It starts out with some fairly tame school drama, but went into some intense emotions and redemption near the end.
I loved Pippa's continuing character development in this book! She tackles some really tough problems, and makes some stupid mistakes, but eventually she gains some wisdom and has the courage to do the right thing. It takes so much courage to be vulnerable and honest with your friends, and I'm so impressed with Pippa and her humility and gumption. It's a complete delight to get into the heart of such a complex and deep character!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Media Master Publicity in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This series retelling of Dicken's "Great Expectations" is utterly brilliant from start to finish!
Instead of "Pip", the main character is Pippa. And most of the main characters found in "Great Expectations" have their counterparts in Pippa's story.
However, although many plot points and character roles are similar to "Great Expectations", this book has its own voice, its own story, and its own delightful style!
I loved learning more about Pippa's Korean-American culture. Pippa lives with her sister and brother-in-law, while her mother has stayed in Korea.
One of my favorite characters is Jung-Hwa, Pippa's brother-in-law. He really functions like a father figure in her life, encouraging her and working hard to support the family.
I loved the complexity of Pippa's relationship with her sister, Mina. Mina is tough on Pippa, nagging her about her grades, her chores, but she obviously loves Pippa very much.
And they have their own special traditions for Christmas with their unique cultural flair that is a mixture of lots of different traditions from different cultures.
Of course, Pippa gets a crush on the new guy, while she still has a crush on Eliot. She wonders how she can possibly like two boys at the same time, and she is very confused trying to sort out her emotions. The descriptions of how she feels, what she thinks, how she worries about her appearance, and wants to be cool to impress the guys... all these things are so spot on and expressive. It really puts you right into Pippa's shoes.
I was so intrigued to read more about the "cool" girls group, The Royals. Their friendship dynamic is very complex, as each girl has her own personality and social power. Pippa still doesn't feel very secure in her friendship with them, but it was incredible to see the character development as we learn more about this group of friends.
I was delighted with how serious, comedic, and wild this plot ended up being. It starts out with some fairly tame school drama, but went into some intense emotions and redemption near the end.
I loved Pippa's continuing character development in this book! She tackles some really tough problems, and makes some stupid mistakes, but eventually she gains some wisdom and has the courage to do the right thing. It takes so much courage to be vulnerable and honest with your friends, and I'm so impressed with Pippa and her humility and gumption. It's a complete delight to get into the heart of such a complex and deep character!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Media Master Publicity in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
November 12, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss
Pippa goes to a private school, and in order to be popular feels that she needs to host the Christmas party even though her family can ill afford it. I liked the bastketball in Pippa Park Raises Her Game, and I have a couple of students who are waiting for the sequel, but the Great Expectations reimagining was completely lost on them. I really liked the South Korean representation, and it's interesting that Pippa's mother is living in that country while Pippa is in the US staying with a sister and brother-in-law. Plenty of romance and friend drama, but not enough basketball!
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
After her transition to her new private school because of a basketball scholarship, Pippa finds herself a bit adrift at Christmastime when she finds that her mother, who was in a very bad car accident in South Korea at the end of the first book, will not be able to travel to the US for the holiday. Her older sister, Mina, is still struggling to keep the laudromat open, so money is tight. When the Royals don't have another place to have their annual party, Caroline goads Pippa into having it at her small family apartment. This poses a problem, especially when neighbor Mrs. Lee falls, breaks a hip, and moves into Pippa's room. While she is still being tutored by Elliott and has a crush on him, she is connecting more with her old friend, Marvel, with whom she watches children at her church. As the party nears and things conspire against her, will Pippa be able to get a dress, get a date, and fit 34 people into her home for a festive afternoon?
Good Points
The draw of the first book for me was the basketball; even though so many middle school girls play the sport, there are few books about it. Elena delle Donne's Elle of the Ball, Robert's Nikki on the Line, and Mackel's Boost are some of the few titles out there. There is a little bit here about Pippa's involvement on the team, but the majority of the plot centers around the party.
Pippa's disbelief that her sister won't let her have the party despite the family's circumstances will ring true for young readers whose life view is narrow and focused on what they want, rather than what is possible for their caregivers. Pippa does obtain an expensive dress by borrowing money from a friend, after Mina has to borrow babysitting money Pippa has earned to buy medicine for Mrs. Lee. Mina's husband is always supportive, and he is a delightful character.
The private school and the mean girls will appeal to fans of Russell's Dork Diaries and Harrison's The Clique, and Pippa's desire to impress her friends is understandable. The possible romances with Elliott or Marvel will leave readers turning the pages to find out whom she takes to the party, if she's able to pull it off!
Pippa goes to a private school, and in order to be popular feels that she needs to host the Christmas party even though her family can ill afford it. I liked the bastketball in Pippa Park Raises Her Game, and I have a couple of students who are waiting for the sequel, but the Great Expectations reimagining was completely lost on them. I really liked the South Korean representation, and it's interesting that Pippa's mother is living in that country while Pippa is in the US staying with a sister and brother-in-law. Plenty of romance and friend drama, but not enough basketball!
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
After her transition to her new private school because of a basketball scholarship, Pippa finds herself a bit adrift at Christmastime when she finds that her mother, who was in a very bad car accident in South Korea at the end of the first book, will not be able to travel to the US for the holiday. Her older sister, Mina, is still struggling to keep the laudromat open, so money is tight. When the Royals don't have another place to have their annual party, Caroline goads Pippa into having it at her small family apartment. This poses a problem, especially when neighbor Mrs. Lee falls, breaks a hip, and moves into Pippa's room. While she is still being tutored by Elliott and has a crush on him, she is connecting more with her old friend, Marvel, with whom she watches children at her church. As the party nears and things conspire against her, will Pippa be able to get a dress, get a date, and fit 34 people into her home for a festive afternoon?
Good Points
The draw of the first book for me was the basketball; even though so many middle school girls play the sport, there are few books about it. Elena delle Donne's Elle of the Ball, Robert's Nikki on the Line, and Mackel's Boost are some of the few titles out there. There is a little bit here about Pippa's involvement on the team, but the majority of the plot centers around the party.
Pippa's disbelief that her sister won't let her have the party despite the family's circumstances will ring true for young readers whose life view is narrow and focused on what they want, rather than what is possible for their caregivers. Pippa does obtain an expensive dress by borrowing money from a friend, after Mina has to borrow babysitting money Pippa has earned to buy medicine for Mrs. Lee. Mina's husband is always supportive, and he is a delightful character.
The private school and the mean girls will appeal to fans of Russell's Dork Diaries and Harrison's The Clique, and Pippa's desire to impress her friends is understandable. The possible romances with Elliott or Marvel will leave readers turning the pages to find out whom she takes to the party, if she's able to pull it off!
September 18, 2022
I first shared Pippa Park’s story in PIPPA PARK RAISES HER GAME. We pick up right where the story left off with Pippa, a Korean American middle-schooler who just started at a new private school. She made the basketball team and is hoping to become a member of the “popular” group, the Royals. Like most middle-schoolers, Pippa has a lot on her plate with school work (she struggles with Algebra), the basketball team, trying to fit in with the Royals, managing expectations at home, and now a crush on two cute boys.
The book begins just 25 days before Christmas and the elite Royal’s Christmas party is being planned. Pippa has hoped to be included and when a few of the plans fall through, Pippa jumps in to save the party by offering to host. She just hasn’t worked out all the details yet like where she will have it, what she will wear, and how she will pay for it. She knows money is tight and her sister’s laundromat business isn’t doing well.
Each chapter takes us closer and closer to the coming Royal’s Christmas Eve party and each chapter shares the angst of a teen trying to balance it all while on the outside making it look like she has it all under control…when she clearly does not.
I found Pippa’s troubles relatable and her struggles with owning up to mistakes and burying her feelings a common experience for teens. If anything, her mishaps with her friends and the way she apologizes may offer kids support to own up to their own mistakes. Pippa almost waited too long to own up to needing help with the party and fixing her mistakes, but once she voiced her fears, her friends stepped up to help.
Pippa has two crushes in this story, one for Eliot, a boy she has been crushing on since she met him, and another for a new friend, Marvel, that makes her feel different and comfortable. Yun’s descriptions of Pippa’s stomach flip, the warm feeling in her chest, and the difficulty of saying how she felt reminded me of my own teenage crushes.
Eliot was a solar eclipse taking over the sky. Marvel was a pink-tinged sunset casting a rosy glow over the horizon.
This two-book series is perfect for middle-grade readers who struggle to fit in, have wanted to feel part of a group, or like relatable stories about kids their own age. I was impressed with the amount of diversity in this book. Even though Pippa is Korean American, there is a wide variety of kids from diverse backgrounds and situations in this story that offer readers someone to identify with.
The book begins just 25 days before Christmas and the elite Royal’s Christmas party is being planned. Pippa has hoped to be included and when a few of the plans fall through, Pippa jumps in to save the party by offering to host. She just hasn’t worked out all the details yet like where she will have it, what she will wear, and how she will pay for it. She knows money is tight and her sister’s laundromat business isn’t doing well.
Each chapter takes us closer and closer to the coming Royal’s Christmas Eve party and each chapter shares the angst of a teen trying to balance it all while on the outside making it look like she has it all under control…when she clearly does not.
I found Pippa’s troubles relatable and her struggles with owning up to mistakes and burying her feelings a common experience for teens. If anything, her mishaps with her friends and the way she apologizes may offer kids support to own up to their own mistakes. Pippa almost waited too long to own up to needing help with the party and fixing her mistakes, but once she voiced her fears, her friends stepped up to help.
Pippa has two crushes in this story, one for Eliot, a boy she has been crushing on since she met him, and another for a new friend, Marvel, that makes her feel different and comfortable. Yun’s descriptions of Pippa’s stomach flip, the warm feeling in her chest, and the difficulty of saying how she felt reminded me of my own teenage crushes.
Eliot was a solar eclipse taking over the sky. Marvel was a pink-tinged sunset casting a rosy glow over the horizon.
This two-book series is perfect for middle-grade readers who struggle to fit in, have wanted to feel part of a group, or like relatable stories about kids their own age. I was impressed with the amount of diversity in this book. Even though Pippa is Korean American, there is a wide variety of kids from diverse backgrounds and situations in this story that offer readers someone to identify with.
July 13, 2022
In 2019, Pippa Park Raises Her Game hit middle grade shelves and made a splash: a modern-day take on Charles Dickens's Great Expectations, with a Korean-American lead character and a group of mean girls who broke all the stereotypes. I devoured the book and have booktalked this to dozens of my library kids. I'm so happy that we've got a follow-up to love now, too: Pippa Park: Crush at First Sight picks up shortly after Pippa Park Raises Her Game. Pippa's getting into the swing of life at her school, she's kinda sorta a Royal, even though Caroline seems to be trying her best to get Pippa to throw in the towel, and her best friend, Buddy, is now dating Helen. There's a new crush on the scene, too: Marvel, an old friend, shows up on the scene when Pippa agrees to help volunteer with a local pastor's drama club and sends Pippa into a tailspin: sure, Eliot is blonde and handsome, but Marvel is fun, makes her laugh, and likes the same things that she does! The fun begins when Pippa rashly agrees to host the Royals' Christmas party at her sister's apartment, just as Pippa's sister takes in a very talkative neighbor, Ms. Lee, who's recovering from an injury. Pippa hasn't learned all of her lessons from the last time: she's still trying to do it all, and putting off disaster for another day.
Pippa Park is such a great character: she's got great depth, able to move from being bubbly and fun to stressed the heck out, to conflicted, all at once. She's the very definition of tween! (Okay, and maybe 50, because honestly, I feel like this at least twice a day every day.) Erin Yun includes cultural references, particularly amazing food, and has a brilliant grasp of complex middle school relationships. Her characters are kids that readers know; that may be the kid reading this book. Kids separated from their parents and being raised by other family members; kids stressed about looking good in their friends' eyes; kids trying to navigate friendship, growing up, and social status. It's all real, and it's all here. Here's hoping we get more Pippa adventures.
Visit the Pippa Park webpage for downloadable resources, including an AAPI Guide and book club kit.
Pippa Park: Crush at First Sight is another slam dunk for Erin Yun. A great add to your shelves.
Pippa Park is such a great character: she's got great depth, able to move from being bubbly and fun to stressed the heck out, to conflicted, all at once. She's the very definition of tween! (Okay, and maybe 50, because honestly, I feel like this at least twice a day every day.) Erin Yun includes cultural references, particularly amazing food, and has a brilliant grasp of complex middle school relationships. Her characters are kids that readers know; that may be the kid reading this book. Kids separated from their parents and being raised by other family members; kids stressed about looking good in their friends' eyes; kids trying to navigate friendship, growing up, and social status. It's all real, and it's all here. Here's hoping we get more Pippa adventures.
Visit the Pippa Park webpage for downloadable resources, including an AAPI Guide and book club kit.
Pippa Park: Crush at First Sight is another slam dunk for Erin Yun. A great add to your shelves.
August 26, 2023
To be fair, I feel like this is really a 3.5/3.75. Some things are done really, really well but I found it really uneven.
Pippa, having seemingly learned almost nothing from her previous escapades, quickly gets over her head again as she finds herself recruited to host a big party for her new friends the Royals. Along the way she meets a new friend who might be something more....if her old feelings for her tutor Eliot don't get in the way.
From the title, you'd think the book was more about her crushes than it really is. Really this is Pippa figuring out balance with her friendships (mostly poorly) but also coming into her own as a leader in other respects. In some ways this is a really relatable journey... almost TOO relatable for me. Though I don't recall Pippa having a diagnosis in the first book, there's a lot of ADHD energy here that I could see myself in, almost to a triggering level. I think probably a lot of kids that age have had that experience of biting off more than they can chew and having to do damage control. And the parts where we see Pippa really shine are really great.
My issue with this is mostly it feels like her primary conflict is a retread of the first book... lies and omissions piling up and threatening to implode her social life. The boys almost feel thrown in as an afterthought. Marvel is a cool addition and could be interesting character but we don't get a lot of him in between all the fires Pippa is trying to put out. Fans of the first book will probably be forgiving though.
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Pippa, having seemingly learned almost nothing from her previous escapades, quickly gets over her head again as she finds herself recruited to host a big party for her new friends the Royals. Along the way she meets a new friend who might be something more....if her old feelings for her tutor Eliot don't get in the way.
From the title, you'd think the book was more about her crushes than it really is. Really this is Pippa figuring out balance with her friendships (mostly poorly) but also coming into her own as a leader in other respects. In some ways this is a really relatable journey... almost TOO relatable for me. Though I don't recall Pippa having a diagnosis in the first book, there's a lot of ADHD energy here that I could see myself in, almost to a triggering level. I think probably a lot of kids that age have had that experience of biting off more than they can chew and having to do damage control. And the parts where we see Pippa really shine are really great.
My issue with this is mostly it feels like her primary conflict is a retread of the first book... lies and omissions piling up and threatening to implode her social life. The boys almost feel thrown in as an afterthought. Marvel is a cool addition and could be interesting character but we don't get a lot of him in between all the fires Pippa is trying to put out. Fans of the first book will probably be forgiving though.
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June 6, 2022
I adore this series! In book 2, Pippa is still struggling to fit in at her new private school, so when she is asked to host the popular girls' annual xmas party, how can she say no?! The book offers a good backdrop for discussing the pressures of middle school, as much like book 1, Pippa struggles to find balance in her school work, sports, new and old friends, familial pressure, babysitting, volunteering--and that's in addition to the crushes and party!
My favorite parts of this book were: the age appropriate love triangle, the chaos of hosting your first party, and the emotions of Pippa's first Christmas without her mother (not dead! She just can't travel to the US from Korea this year) There is holiday storyline to the book, but it wasn't so strong that it felt like a seasonal read. The countdown to Christmas was cute and helped me keep up with the timeline. And I appreciate that the author included Hanukkah and the discussions of how different characters from different socioeconomic status celebrate their holidays felt very authentic to me.
Pippa Park is the friend I wish I would've had when I was younger and I am so glad to be able to share a friend like her with my nieces (and nephew too!) Wow! I am so glad book 2 in the Pippa Park series delivers.
My favorite parts of this book were: the age appropriate love triangle, the chaos of hosting your first party, and the emotions of Pippa's first Christmas without her mother (not dead! She just can't travel to the US from Korea this year) There is holiday storyline to the book, but it wasn't so strong that it felt like a seasonal read. The countdown to Christmas was cute and helped me keep up with the timeline. And I appreciate that the author included Hanukkah and the discussions of how different characters from different socioeconomic status celebrate their holidays felt very authentic to me.
Pippa Park is the friend I wish I would've had when I was younger and I am so glad to be able to share a friend like her with my nieces (and nephew too!) Wow! I am so glad book 2 in the Pippa Park series delivers.
June 20, 2023
Pippa Park is a Korean American who lives in the US with her sister. Her mom is back in Korea because her visa expired and is only able to visit her daughters a few times a year. I can't imagine what it would be like to not have your mother around growing up. Pippa looks up to these girls at her new school that remind me of your typical "mean girl" clique. Her family is not rich but many of the girls in the cool group are. She internalizes all of her struggles not sharing them with even her closest friends. She perpetuates a self fulfilling prophecy by not sharing her struggles. She struggles with her identity as a Korean and feeling ashamed because people wouldn't understand her. She had the typical boy struggles and not knowing what to do but manages to find her own way. She learns how to admit to her own mistakes. She later learns that it is better to share the burden of her struggles.
I did like the author's use of Korean language and reference to current Korean dramas. I tend to follow a bunch of these myself so I could envision exactly what she was referring to.
I did like the author's use of Korean language and reference to current Korean dramas. I tend to follow a bunch of these myself so I could envision exactly what she was referring to.
June 6, 2022
According to my 12-year-old niece, Pippa Park was sooo relatable as a middle-schooler just trying to fit in. So, I am happy that book 2 has been published and we can read another amazing book together.
The second book's opening sets up the story's conflict quickly. The reader learns Pippa Park will need to try to keep her cool quotient up by throwing a holiday party for her "Royal" basketball team friends while helping out her family's laundromat business. To top it off Eliot, her crush from book 1 is baaaack and he likes her BUT she meets a new guy, Marvel, and doesn't know which guy is the one for her!!!
Yep, full-on middle school drama!
I liked the fact that her father figure Jung-Hwa continues to play a big role in helping Pippa Park sort out her problems while cooking up delicious Korean Food. Kkori gomtang anyone? There is also a new character, a wacky neighbor Mrs. Lee who adds humor and fortune-telling to the book. Enjoy!
The second book's opening sets up the story's conflict quickly. The reader learns Pippa Park will need to try to keep her cool quotient up by throwing a holiday party for her "Royal" basketball team friends while helping out her family's laundromat business. To top it off Eliot, her crush from book 1 is baaaack and he likes her BUT she meets a new guy, Marvel, and doesn't know which guy is the one for her!!!
Yep, full-on middle school drama!
I liked the fact that her father figure Jung-Hwa continues to play a big role in helping Pippa Park sort out her problems while cooking up delicious Korean Food. Kkori gomtang anyone? There is also a new character, a wacky neighbor Mrs. Lee who adds humor and fortune-telling to the book. Enjoy!
September 8, 2022
As the mom of an incoming middle schooler, I’m all too familiar with first crushes, friendship drama, and the growing pains that come with being a tween girl. My daughter and I love to bond over good books, and we loved the first book in this series (although reading the first book isn’t necessary to understand the sequel). Book #2 is just as heartwarming, relatable, and fun. Pippa’s authentic and expressive voice as a narrator made it so easy to engage with the story, which was well-paced and balanced heartfelt moments (I ADORED the scenes between Pippa and Mrs. Lee) with zany, lighthearted ones.
This book was so adorable, and the perfect choice to read with my daughter! Pippa Park is one of her all-time favorite series, and after reading this well-executed sequel, she is excited for more!!
This book was so adorable, and the perfect choice to read with my daughter! Pippa Park is one of her all-time favorite series, and after reading this well-executed sequel, she is excited for more!!
January 25, 2023
The second Pippa Park book does everything that the first book did well: a plot and characters that any middle schooler will connect with! When the book opens, Pippa has finally found her friends, even though he doesn’t feel totally accepted, and everything is going swell, but that doesn’t ever stay in the world of middle school drama–in comes a party to plan on a non-existent budget and two crushes that Pippa can’t choose between. Add into that a dash of strict guardian, an unexpected change in holiday plans, and an unwanted guest, and you have a story that keeps the reader guessing, rooting for Pippa (and sometimes screaming at Pippa), and waiting to see how it all works out. I love a true middle school book, and Pippa Park fits right in that range! It is a must get for libraries and classrooms!
Full review with teaching tools: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/25753
Full review with teaching tools: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/25753
May 13, 2023
Pippa Park is back with a sequel!
🎄
Pippa is still trying to juggle all the things in her life: math grades, other classes, basketball, her new and old friends, and her crush on her tutor, Eliot. When Pippa is asked to help with the church’s youth program for the holidays, she’s paired up with her childhood friend, Marvel, who has grown up well. Now Pippa is getting attention from someone new right when Eliot finally starts looking her way. She also agreed to host the annual Royals Christmas party with no location, no dress, no food and no money. Will this holiday end up being a happy one?
❤️
I honestly can’t get enough of this MG series and wish there were more on the horizon. @fabled.films please consider releasing more Pippa Park books from Erin Yun because I’m obsessed!
CW: injury, classism, money issues
🎄
Pippa is still trying to juggle all the things in her life: math grades, other classes, basketball, her new and old friends, and her crush on her tutor, Eliot. When Pippa is asked to help with the church’s youth program for the holidays, she’s paired up with her childhood friend, Marvel, who has grown up well. Now Pippa is getting attention from someone new right when Eliot finally starts looking her way. She also agreed to host the annual Royals Christmas party with no location, no dress, no food and no money. Will this holiday end up being a happy one?
❤️
I honestly can’t get enough of this MG series and wish there were more on the horizon. @fabled.films please consider releasing more Pippa Park books from Erin Yun because I’m obsessed!
CW: injury, classism, money issues
June 17, 2022
Korean American Pippa Park is faced with hosting the annual Christmas Eve party that could make or break her social life. Will Pippa make enough money to cover the costs while juggling crushes, math tests, and everything else? Pippa has to find a place for the party, pick out the perfect dress, and pick the right boy. All while trying to stay true to herself and fit in with her friends.
Pippa faces many of the same problems and worries that most middle schoolers face. I enjoyed reading book two of the Pippa Park series.
Pippa faces many of the same problems and worries that most middle schoolers face. I enjoyed reading book two of the Pippa Park series.
May 12, 2023
Oh wow I just realized I didn't update my reads. I finished this over a week ago and and it didn't leave a lasting impression like the first one. However, I know I enjoyed reading it at the time and I think it's a super cute series featuring an Asian girl who kicks butt at basketball. Whenever the next one comes out, I'll read it. These go down so easy. It's like a junior version of To All the Boys I've Loved Before.
March 28, 2023
This book was good expect Pippa did annoy me a lot- and yes this is part of her ark but still! She just makes some really bad decisions that make you think: really Pippa? Another thing, basketball is barley mentioned. Last book that’s the whole reason Pippa got into this school, but now practice is just time for Pippa to interact with the royals
October 2, 2022
This was such a fun and easy read! Definitely brought me back to times of trying to accomplish everything at once and realizing asking for help is a much better solution. I loved all the characters. I would recommend this book to any middle schooler.
July 9, 2023
Read this book in a day! I thought it was a good sequel to the first book since it delves into more of Pippa's personal life with the introduction of Marvel along with the continuation of her school stresses. Themes found in book one such as bullying and friendships continue here.
May 29, 2023
I loved Pippa Park! She is such a truly genuine character and I love how Erin touches on so many real middle school issues in a true way. Full of humor and heart.
April 7, 2025
Christmas and exams are approaching. Pippa is excited to hear that the Royals have a Christmas Eve party and she's invited, but it is also stressing her out because 1) she's supposed to invite someone and most girls are inviting someone they like and 2) Pippa has no money for a dress and her sister says the laundromat isn't doing well so they may not even have presents this year, and 3) the Royals have decided she's hosting the party but there's the no money issue plus her sister said no way but how can Pippa tell the Royals they can't use her place? On top of all this Pippa's mom isn't coming for Christmas which feels wrong, the upstairs neighbor Mrs Lee injures herself and is now living in their living room, Pippa's sister volunteered her to help with the church's Nativity pageant so they can get advertising for the laundromat, and Pippa is confused because she kinda likes both Eliot, her math tutor, and Marvel, another teen helping out with the Nativity pageant.
This was mostly just painful to me. And let me preface why by saying I work with middle schoolers and high schoolers daily, so I have enough tween/teen drama in real life I really don't need it in the fictional world. Pippa tells little kids in the pageant how to talk things out to resolve conflicts, but she isn't taking her own advice and its just causing more and more stress. Mrs Lee also pulled out Tarot cards and read Pippa's future, and Pippa takes it really seriously. Mrs Lee tells her later it isn't supposed to be taken so seriously, but what was she thinking a middle schooler would do??? Pippa wants so hard to be accepted as one of the Royals, which I get since they comprise a huge chunk of her basketball team, but I also don't think they are worth the effort. As a teacher, I really don't like exclusive cliques that have status symbols to show if someone is "in" or not. She gets obsessed with making money babysitting and it puts her exams in jeopardy. She isn't dealing well with Buddy and Helen, her 2 best friends, dating and spending time with each other and not her (and doesn't communicate well with them). And Pippa makes some poor choices about how she treats Eliot and Marvel, and all together this book is like watching a train wreck. You know it is going to crash and burn at some point, and it inevitably does. There are a lot of positive turns at the very, very end as communication starts to happen but I really wish they had happened way sooner. I did like how she goes from viewing Mrs Lee as an inconvenience to understanding how lonely she must be. I also like the message of communication needing to be clear highly emphasized and there's a good reminder through several characters that you rarely know everything going on in someone else's life unless you really take the time to listen and ask them; both are very important lesson for tweens. I'm waffling between 2 and 3 stars. I guess I'll say 2.5 and round it up, but I'm really tempted to round down.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: Nothing beyond a little kiss
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Pippa and Marvel are Korean American. Buddy is Jewish American and they go to his Hanukah party. Many of the Royals are white American.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Tarot cards are used and different people treat their predictions with varying levels of seriousness. Cliques and peer pressure are huge topics. Money struggles is a prevalent topic.
This was mostly just painful to me. And let me preface why by saying I work with middle schoolers and high schoolers daily, so I have enough tween/teen drama in real life I really don't need it in the fictional world. Pippa tells little kids in the pageant how to talk things out to resolve conflicts, but she isn't taking her own advice and its just causing more and more stress. Mrs Lee also pulled out Tarot cards and read Pippa's future, and Pippa takes it really seriously. Mrs Lee tells her later it isn't supposed to be taken so seriously, but what was she thinking a middle schooler would do??? Pippa wants so hard to be accepted as one of the Royals, which I get since they comprise a huge chunk of her basketball team, but I also don't think they are worth the effort. As a teacher, I really don't like exclusive cliques that have status symbols to show if someone is "in" or not. She gets obsessed with making money babysitting and it puts her exams in jeopardy. She isn't dealing well with Buddy and Helen, her 2 best friends, dating and spending time with each other and not her (and doesn't communicate well with them). And Pippa makes some poor choices about how she treats Eliot and Marvel, and all together this book is like watching a train wreck. You know it is going to crash and burn at some point, and it inevitably does. There are a lot of positive turns at the very, very end as communication starts to happen but I really wish they had happened way sooner. I did like how she goes from viewing Mrs Lee as an inconvenience to understanding how lonely she must be. I also like the message of communication needing to be clear highly emphasized and there's a good reminder through several characters that you rarely know everything going on in someone else's life unless you really take the time to listen and ask them; both are very important lesson for tweens. I'm waffling between 2 and 3 stars. I guess I'll say 2.5 and round it up, but I'm really tempted to round down.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: Nothing beyond a little kiss
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Pippa and Marvel are Korean American. Buddy is Jewish American and they go to his Hanukah party. Many of the Royals are white American.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Tarot cards are used and different people treat their predictions with varying levels of seriousness. Cliques and peer pressure are huge topics. Money struggles is a prevalent topic.
September 7, 2022
A Pippa Park holiday read with a little basketball, a church pageant, and a party to plan with the Royals. Pippa has her eye on that golden scrunchie. Now that she is a student at Lakeview Private, and playing on their team, will she feel like she belongs? She spontaneously volunteers to host the annual Royals Christmas Eve Party to try to prove herself. The To Do list for the party looms. 21 days until the party. Will they all fit in her apartment? What will she wear? How will she decorate? What will they serve? As the days go by, Pippa seems to be applying a good amount of wishful thinking to the problem. Meanwhile she is helping with the church Christmas pageant and trying to keep up with all her schoolwork. When a neighbor needs to stay in the living room in her hospital bed through the New Year, Pippa is even more overwhelmed. And don't even get her started on the bratty cat that came along with the new roommate. If Pippa makes it through the New Year, she will have overcome a bunch of obstacles. Read this story and find out what happens. I found it to be a fun holiday read, although I could have done without the addition of tarot cards to the plot.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Fabled Films Press for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Fabled Films Press for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2022
Pippa is back and juggling a lot, basketball, bullying, boys, school, family and more. But because of one person’s bullying she won’t ask any of her friends in the royals for help. She has always had a crush on Eliot but he never paid much attention, but when Pippa finally resolves herself to another boy she meets at church all of sudden Eliot now wants to do things with her, however she messes it up with both boys. The way Pippa sees it her whole world is imploding and she wishes she could disappear with it, but that doesn’t happen, you’ll have read the book yourself to see if everything turns out ok including her relationship with Boz.
I love these Pippa Parks books because I don’t know about you but I think most of us has been in one of these situations at one time or another, but Pippa has us all beat with everything all at once. Pippa is a person who really wants to make everyone happy but seems to always do things the hard way because she doesn’t want to bother anyone else when things don’t go right. I love these books a lot and can’t wait for more.
I love these Pippa Parks books because I don’t know about you but I think most of us has been in one of these situations at one time or another, but Pippa has us all beat with everything all at once. Pippa is a person who really wants to make everyone happy but seems to always do things the hard way because she doesn’t want to bother anyone else when things don’t go right. I love these books a lot and can’t wait for more.
December 26, 2023
I was disappointed in this book. It sounded great. The reader learns that Pippa previously got herself into trouble with lies. Happily, things worked out.
In this book, over two-thirds of the book is about lies and omissions. Then the whole thing with her liking 2 boys at the same time and going out with them both was awful. I think Pippa has some great qualities, but she also behaves so poorly throughout this book.
Her family is going through difficult times. You have a party to plan and then go and buy $106 dress. Sorry, Pippa is a whiner. Her decisions are poor. Why Marvel would go to her party is beyond me. Also, what about her science paper she forgot to do that is 1/3 her grade?
Yes, all ends up well, but I do not think this is realistic. She burned too many bridges with her lies.
In this book, over two-thirds of the book is about lies and omissions. Then the whole thing with her liking 2 boys at the same time and going out with them both was awful. I think Pippa has some great qualities, but she also behaves so poorly throughout this book.
Her family is going through difficult times. You have a party to plan and then go and buy $106 dress. Sorry, Pippa is a whiner. Her decisions are poor. Why Marvel would go to her party is beyond me. Also, what about her science paper she forgot to do that is 1/3 her grade?
Yes, all ends up well, but I do not think this is realistic. She burned too many bridges with her lies.
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