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Alterations: A Graphic Novel
For fans of Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese and Svetlana Chmakova’s Awkward , this funny yet poignant middle-grade coming-of-age story highlights the struggle of feeling invisible while yearning to be seen by all.
Kevin Lee is having a really bad week. Although he lives in a crowded Toronto apartment above the family’s alterations and dry-cleaning store, he mostly goes unnoticed. School isn’t exactly an oasis either—being one of the few Asian kids makes for some unwelcome attention. But when Kevin’s class plans a trip to Thrill Planet, a spectacular theme park, will he finally have a chance to turn his life around, or will it just be another day for Kevin Lee?
Kevin Lee is having a really bad week. Although he lives in a crowded Toronto apartment above the family’s alterations and dry-cleaning store, he mostly goes unnoticed. School isn’t exactly an oasis either—being one of the few Asian kids makes for some unwelcome attention. But when Kevin’s class plans a trip to Thrill Planet, a spectacular theme park, will he finally have a chance to turn his life around, or will it just be another day for Kevin Lee?
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2024
13 people are currently reading
2208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 11, 2024
A great middle grade graphic novel memoir about a young Chinese Canadian boy of an immigrant single mother trying to support her two children and aging mother. Kevin is an aspiring comic artist living in a crowded apartment and seen as the weird Asian kid at school. When he becomes the 'Egg boy' his life feels really difficult until a class trip to an amusement park has him becoming 'Wonder boy.' Heartfelt and relatable, this is a moving multi-generational immigrant story perfect for fans of books like Age 16 by Rosena Fung or Mexikid by Pedro Martin. Highly recommended!
January 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Critical Score: B+
Personal Score: B+
The first half is particularly good—mature characterization, funny when it’s trying to be funny and touching when it’s trying to make points about family relationships, growing pains, and racism. The story moved along briskly, and the art is pleasing to look at.
Then the story sort of loses its magic slightly. Still good though, still sailing along.
Where it fumbles is the last 40 pages. The climax is pretty unrealistic, and it lands with a message that betrays the messaging the whole book was building up to. Then the resolution comes with a neat bow that’s just…very forced.
So the ending is disappointing, but it didn’t ruin the book for me, and since this is middle grade, most of those flaws are often par for the course.
Critical Score: B+
Personal Score: B+
The first half is particularly good—mature characterization, funny when it’s trying to be funny and touching when it’s trying to make points about family relationships, growing pains, and racism. The story moved along briskly, and the art is pleasing to look at.
Then the story sort of loses its magic slightly. Still good though, still sailing along.
Where it fumbles is the last 40 pages. The climax is pretty unrealistic, and it lands with a message that betrays the messaging the whole book was building up to. Then the resolution comes with a neat bow that’s just…very forced.
So the ending is disappointing, but it didn’t ruin the book for me, and since this is middle grade, most of those flaws are often par for the course.
March 13, 2025
Alterations
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 6.85/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 7
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 8
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 6
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 6.85/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 7
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 8
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 6
September 1, 2025
Cute middle-grade graphic novel. Read it with my son and we both had plenty of laughs.
March 5, 2024
I wonder if I will always be seeking that perfect blend of empathy and total comedy in middle grade graphic novels that the Amelia Rules series gave me…
Alterations was fine, but one of those like, “Did the characters really grow much?” kinda stories.
I hope kids that relate more to Ray Xu’s experience than I read it! I’m sure some will love it (:
Oh and I should also mention I fully laughed out loud at the slapstick of knocking the substitute teacher’s teeth out, that was gold
Alterations was fine, but one of those like, “Did the characters really grow much?” kinda stories.
I hope kids that relate more to Ray Xu’s experience than I read it! I’m sure some will love it (:
Oh and I should also mention I fully laughed out loud at the slapstick of knocking the substitute teacher’s teeth out, that was gold
February 8, 2024
Some of my scattered thoughts...
Wow. This book was such a surprise find at the local library. I found it very relatable; there were so many parallels to my own childhood growing up in Scarborough in the 90s: my parents were also separated, my mom working tirelessly as a seamstress to make a living for my brother and I, me having to be the translator for my mom at a young age, bringing Chinese food for lunch at school (though my school had a sizable Asian population), attending Saturday morning Chinese classes...
I liked how Kevin's character developed throughout the book. I liked the relationships between him and his family and classmates. I did find it very heart-warming that he was able to have those heartfelt conversations with his mom toward the end. There's a stereotype of the quiet, submissive Asian that Kevin's mom references a few times and I like that Kevin didn't necessarily conform to it. Oh, and his grandma. I LOVED her character. She was hilarious! And she totally looked like my grandmas haha!
I'm actually not well-informed about the Chinese Cultural Revolution. My parents never talked about it too much (and I had no idea that people were so desperate to leave the country that they risked swimming to HK!). Their experience were those of the rusticated youth; they were sent to work on rubber plantations on Hainan Island. My mom had shown me a black and white photo of her carving the bark of a rubber tree wearing a headlight. My dad talked about finding a buried box that belonged to a Japanese soldier while he was there.
Wow. This book was such a surprise find at the local library. I found it very relatable; there were so many parallels to my own childhood growing up in Scarborough in the 90s: my parents were also separated, my mom working tirelessly as a seamstress to make a living for my brother and I, me having to be the translator for my mom at a young age, bringing Chinese food for lunch at school (though my school had a sizable Asian population), attending Saturday morning Chinese classes...
I liked how Kevin's character developed throughout the book. I liked the relationships between him and his family and classmates. I did find it very heart-warming that he was able to have those heartfelt conversations with his mom toward the end. There's a stereotype of the quiet, submissive Asian that Kevin's mom references a few times and I like that Kevin didn't necessarily conform to it. Oh, and his grandma. I LOVED her character. She was hilarious! And she totally looked like my grandmas haha!
I'm actually not well-informed about the Chinese Cultural Revolution. My parents never talked about it too much (and I had no idea that people were so desperate to leave the country that they risked swimming to HK!). Their experience were those of the rusticated youth; they were sent to work on rubber plantations on Hainan Island. My mom had shown me a black and white photo of her carving the bark of a rubber tree wearing a headlight. My dad talked about finding a buried box that belonged to a Japanese soldier while he was there.
May 22, 2024
Middle school mixes with problems such as divorce, first crushes, and century eggs to form a balance between giggles and heart.
Kevin Lee's life has been turned upside down since his parents divorced and his father left the city. Now, his mother is working overtime in her alterations shop to make ends meet. Kevin is forced to help out both in the house and with sewing buttons, but he'd rather just read his comic books. His older sister is an awesome support (even when she's irritating), and then, there's Popo, his odd, ancient grandmother, who is so traditional, it's weird. School isn't any better thanks to all sorts of misunderstandings, which leaves him as the strange kid. While comics offer an escape, it's the upcoming trip to a theme park, which might give the relief he needs...if it isn't as doomed as the rest of his life.
This book tackles quite a few tough problems many middle graders face, while weaving in a touch of science fiction and humor to make it an exciting and enjoyable read. Kevin is a kid, who just wishes everything were easier. His father's disappearance from their lives has left a mark, which isn't an lot to deal with. While Kevin's family is very supportive and caring, they are all under stress as they try to come to terms with everything. The mother works over-hours, which adds a familiar strain kids can identify with, especially since that means picking up some of the slack at home which would, otherwise, be used for free time. Kevin's attitude is very understandable as realizes why things are the way they are but still isn't happy about it and rebels to a certain extent. It makes him human and easy to identify with, since many readers will recognize similar situations from their own lives.
The graphics are well done, and the text balances nicely with each one. There are side-thoughts, settings, comments and such in square text boxes, while the speech appears in bubbles to keep everything clear. The illustrations especially work nicely as Kevin switches to his comic/fantasy thoughts, and it's this which offers the fun side to balance out the more serious issues on the life end. But even in the 'real life', there's enough lightness to keep the problems from growing to heavy...and especially Popo comes across nicely.
It's a packed book in many ways, never invites boredom, and stays entertaining the entire way through. I received an ARC and enjoyed the weave quite a bit.
Kevin Lee's life has been turned upside down since his parents divorced and his father left the city. Now, his mother is working overtime in her alterations shop to make ends meet. Kevin is forced to help out both in the house and with sewing buttons, but he'd rather just read his comic books. His older sister is an awesome support (even when she's irritating), and then, there's Popo, his odd, ancient grandmother, who is so traditional, it's weird. School isn't any better thanks to all sorts of misunderstandings, which leaves him as the strange kid. While comics offer an escape, it's the upcoming trip to a theme park, which might give the relief he needs...if it isn't as doomed as the rest of his life.
This book tackles quite a few tough problems many middle graders face, while weaving in a touch of science fiction and humor to make it an exciting and enjoyable read. Kevin is a kid, who just wishes everything were easier. His father's disappearance from their lives has left a mark, which isn't an lot to deal with. While Kevin's family is very supportive and caring, they are all under stress as they try to come to terms with everything. The mother works over-hours, which adds a familiar strain kids can identify with, especially since that means picking up some of the slack at home which would, otherwise, be used for free time. Kevin's attitude is very understandable as realizes why things are the way they are but still isn't happy about it and rebels to a certain extent. It makes him human and easy to identify with, since many readers will recognize similar situations from their own lives.
The graphics are well done, and the text balances nicely with each one. There are side-thoughts, settings, comments and such in square text boxes, while the speech appears in bubbles to keep everything clear. The illustrations especially work nicely as Kevin switches to his comic/fantasy thoughts, and it's this which offers the fun side to balance out the more serious issues on the life end. But even in the 'real life', there's enough lightness to keep the problems from growing to heavy...and especially Popo comes across nicely.
It's a packed book in many ways, never invites boredom, and stays entertaining the entire way through. I received an ARC and enjoyed the weave quite a bit.
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April 25, 2025I won't even try to be formal or academic about this one. I loved this. I, a reader in my twenties, loved this middle grade slice-of-life graphic novel. It's made for kids but can appeal to adult readers, the same way Pixar movies and Hey Arnold! can. (The latter of which I was reminded of while reading.) Everyone can see and enjoy the same final product, but seeing it with a child's perspective vs. that of an adult makes a difference.
The book follows a week in the life of a Chinese-Canadian kid and his family during the nineties, and just a week's time provides a strong sense of who these people are. All of them have their perspectives and journeys, both as a collective, and as individuals. Unable to fully understand each other, but never resentful of one another. All living under one roof, yet simultaneously great distances apart. No melodrama; just a variety of highs and lows. Tight schedules, misunderstandings, generational differences, and an incident at an amusement park. I found humor and relatability in the main character as someone who was once a middle schooler myself, and saw a different perspective as someone not descended from immigrants. A few moments were a tad sentimental, or possessed overly expositional dialogue. But it's hard to complain about those aspects when Ray Xu clearly demonstrates an understanding of comics as a precise medium. Less filling in the gaps of time compared to animation or prose. When we don't see what's in-between, every panel counts. Early on, the protagonist describes his sister: "she's annoying sometimes, but she looks out for me." Short and sweet. In a single panel, he notices his grandmother's hands, and considers the ways she's different from him. All with a consistently enjoyable My Neighbors The Yamadas-esque art style. As his first graphic novel, I wouldn't consider this Ray Xu at the height of his powers, but it's still a hell of a debut. I look forward to what he does next.
The book follows a week in the life of a Chinese-Canadian kid and his family during the nineties, and just a week's time provides a strong sense of who these people are. All of them have their perspectives and journeys, both as a collective, and as individuals. Unable to fully understand each other, but never resentful of one another. All living under one roof, yet simultaneously great distances apart. No melodrama; just a variety of highs and lows. Tight schedules, misunderstandings, generational differences, and an incident at an amusement park. I found humor and relatability in the main character as someone who was once a middle schooler myself, and saw a different perspective as someone not descended from immigrants. A few moments were a tad sentimental, or possessed overly expositional dialogue. But it's hard to complain about those aspects when Ray Xu clearly demonstrates an understanding of comics as a precise medium. Less filling in the gaps of time compared to animation or prose. When we don't see what's in-between, every panel counts. Early on, the protagonist describes his sister: "she's annoying sometimes, but she looks out for me." Short and sweet. In a single panel, he notices his grandmother's hands, and considers the ways she's different from him. All with a consistently enjoyable My Neighbors The Yamadas-esque art style. As his first graphic novel, I wouldn't consider this Ray Xu at the height of his powers, but it's still a hell of a debut. I look forward to what he does next.
September 13, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
It's 1994, and Kevin Lee lives with his mother and older sister in Toronto, Canada. His parents have recently divorced, and his father isn't around. He's not even paying alimony, which means that his mother is working long hours at her alterations shop, and asking Kevin and his sister Betty to help out. Kevin would rather read comic books than sew on buttons, but usually does what his mother asks. His older sister is very nice to him, occasionally giving him a comic book that she has bought, and working a lot harder at the shop than he does. His grandmother (Popo) comes to live with the family for a while, and cooks a lot of good traditional Chinese food, even though Kevin would rather have spaghetti some days. After his grandmother sends a century egg with him to school, it causes an overblown smell at his school, and after he is called to the principal's office (where he is "not in trouble"), kids start calling him "Egg Boy". He tries a variety of ways to deflect this attention, but it weighs heavily on him. After he accidentally throws a basketball at a substitute teacher, his mother is called from work again to talk to the principal. This causes a lot of stress in his family; his mother can't lose income, Betty (who is seven years older) feels like Kevin has it easy, and Popo hates to hear the fighting. Popo tells Kevin that when his mother was growing up, the cultural revolution in China was going on, and in order to try to make her life better, his mother and uncle tried to swim to Hong Kong. The uncle made it, but the mother did not, and spent time in jail. Kevin tries to be more understanding of his familiy, but finds it hard. When his class go to an amusement park, there is even more drama, and he sneaks off into a ride about his favorite comic that isn't open quite yet. He finds an invisibility suit, and travels all over the park wearing it and spying on his classmates. Eventually, he gets caught on a roller coaster that is being repaired, and when the test run stops, he has to be rescued. This changes his reputation with his classmates, and his family eventually learns to deal with their differences without fighting. This is a memoir about the artist's life as a tween.
Strengths: This was an interesting look at middle school in the 1990s, when it was more acceptable to make fun of one's classmates for... apparently any reason whatsoever. Middle school students always think that everyone is looking at them, when in fact everyone is too busy thinking that they are being watched to care much about other people. The family dynamics were interesting as well, especially since Kevin and Betty seemed to get along decently well, right up until they argued constantly. The class trip to the amusement park, and Kevin getting paired with the principal when his partner didn't come, will seem exotic to students today, most of whom don't even get field trips to a local library two blocks away.
Weaknesses: This seemed like it was a realistic memoir until the invisibility suit. I worried about Kevin breaking into the not-yet-opened exhibit to begin with, and was a little confused about what the purpose of suddenly going into fantasy was. Will kids care? No.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who can't get enough of graphic memoirs like Ogle's Four Eyes, Krosoczka's Sunshine , Russo's Why is Everybody Yelling, or Page's Button Pusher. I am starting to wonder if Dan Santat is the only illustrator who had a halfway happy time in middle school, or at least wrote about a happy time in his A First Time for Everything.
It's 1994, and Kevin Lee lives with his mother and older sister in Toronto, Canada. His parents have recently divorced, and his father isn't around. He's not even paying alimony, which means that his mother is working long hours at her alterations shop, and asking Kevin and his sister Betty to help out. Kevin would rather read comic books than sew on buttons, but usually does what his mother asks. His older sister is very nice to him, occasionally giving him a comic book that she has bought, and working a lot harder at the shop than he does. His grandmother (Popo) comes to live with the family for a while, and cooks a lot of good traditional Chinese food, even though Kevin would rather have spaghetti some days. After his grandmother sends a century egg with him to school, it causes an overblown smell at his school, and after he is called to the principal's office (where he is "not in trouble"), kids start calling him "Egg Boy". He tries a variety of ways to deflect this attention, but it weighs heavily on him. After he accidentally throws a basketball at a substitute teacher, his mother is called from work again to talk to the principal. This causes a lot of stress in his family; his mother can't lose income, Betty (who is seven years older) feels like Kevin has it easy, and Popo hates to hear the fighting. Popo tells Kevin that when his mother was growing up, the cultural revolution in China was going on, and in order to try to make her life better, his mother and uncle tried to swim to Hong Kong. The uncle made it, but the mother did not, and spent time in jail. Kevin tries to be more understanding of his familiy, but finds it hard. When his class go to an amusement park, there is even more drama, and he sneaks off into a ride about his favorite comic that isn't open quite yet. He finds an invisibility suit, and travels all over the park wearing it and spying on his classmates. Eventually, he gets caught on a roller coaster that is being repaired, and when the test run stops, he has to be rescued. This changes his reputation with his classmates, and his family eventually learns to deal with their differences without fighting. This is a memoir about the artist's life as a tween.
Strengths: This was an interesting look at middle school in the 1990s, when it was more acceptable to make fun of one's classmates for... apparently any reason whatsoever. Middle school students always think that everyone is looking at them, when in fact everyone is too busy thinking that they are being watched to care much about other people. The family dynamics were interesting as well, especially since Kevin and Betty seemed to get along decently well, right up until they argued constantly. The class trip to the amusement park, and Kevin getting paired with the principal when his partner didn't come, will seem exotic to students today, most of whom don't even get field trips to a local library two blocks away.
Weaknesses: This seemed like it was a realistic memoir until the invisibility suit. I worried about Kevin breaking into the not-yet-opened exhibit to begin with, and was a little confused about what the purpose of suddenly going into fantasy was. Will kids care? No.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who can't get enough of graphic memoirs like Ogle's Four Eyes, Krosoczka's Sunshine , Russo's Why is Everybody Yelling, or Page's Button Pusher. I am starting to wonder if Dan Santat is the only illustrator who had a halfway happy time in middle school, or at least wrote about a happy time in his A First Time for Everything.
January 24, 2024
I love graphic novels and this one was great for younger kids in the middle school years. My 13 year old really liked this graphic novel and thought it was a good read.
It is about a kid named Kevin who is helping his mother and sister at the Alterations shop in Toronto. This book is all about changing cultures from Asian to Canadian. The story takes place in the 1990’s in Toronto Canada. Popo, Kevins grandmother has also just arrived from China too, so he really is having some troubles with trying to fit into a new culture. Popo reminds me of a traditional grandmother from any culture, who tells her grandkids to have better posture while sitting and to not watch tv while eating as it hurts your eyes. So Popo is a very relatable character for any younger child or older adult like myself who remembers that happening as a kid.
And then there is school too. Kevin feels out of place at school as he is an Asian child in a school of not only Asian children, so there is a bit of culture changes that you can see. And Kevin likes a girl named Lily. Lily thinks Kevin is a weird boy who draws and stares at her. And then something funny happens at school with his Grandmother being the person who made it happen in a way.
This is a great read with sibling rivalry, culture shock from kids perspectives, and more. You should read this book if you like middle school stories and graphic novels!!!
It is about a kid named Kevin who is helping his mother and sister at the Alterations shop in Toronto. This book is all about changing cultures from Asian to Canadian. The story takes place in the 1990’s in Toronto Canada. Popo, Kevins grandmother has also just arrived from China too, so he really is having some troubles with trying to fit into a new culture. Popo reminds me of a traditional grandmother from any culture, who tells her grandkids to have better posture while sitting and to not watch tv while eating as it hurts your eyes. So Popo is a very relatable character for any younger child or older adult like myself who remembers that happening as a kid.
And then there is school too. Kevin feels out of place at school as he is an Asian child in a school of not only Asian children, so there is a bit of culture changes that you can see. And Kevin likes a girl named Lily. Lily thinks Kevin is a weird boy who draws and stares at her. And then something funny happens at school with his Grandmother being the person who made it happen in a way.
This is a great read with sibling rivalry, culture shock from kids perspectives, and more. You should read this book if you like middle school stories and graphic novels!!!
February 1, 2024
In the 1990s, Kevin Lee is just a regular Chinese Canadian middle schooler. He hates being the invisible kid at school, he hates that his former friend and current (maybe) crush Lily hates his guts, he hates that his dad left him for a new family. He has a lot of gripes, but he isn't the only one. His Popo, his maternal grandmother, has just moved in with them and seems determined to whip the family into shape. His older sister Betty feels totally forgotten and resents having to share a room with her younger brother. And his mom spends all of her time trying to keep the family alteration business afloat and provide for her family. Kevin spends his days hiding in his comic books and looking forward to the class field trip to the amusement. But when he takes a Century egg to school one day, he suddenly becomes "Egg Boy" -- the center of attention. Suddenly, he finds himself stuck in the middle of a terrible week.
This middle grade graphic novel is field with comedy and heart and the tension between a second generation kid and his first generation immigrant mother and grandmother. Filled with ups and downs, this plot is engaging and the characterization is especially well done. Personally, I didn't feel like the interjections of Kevin's comic he is writing added a ton to the story, but it was a compelling detail. The cultural details are handled really well. This is a solid graphic novel.
This middle grade graphic novel is field with comedy and heart and the tension between a second generation kid and his first generation immigrant mother and grandmother. Filled with ups and downs, this plot is engaging and the characterization is especially well done. Personally, I didn't feel like the interjections of Kevin's comic he is writing added a ton to the story, but it was a compelling detail. The cultural details are handled really well. This is a solid graphic novel.
March 27, 2024
**Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book.**
After an unfortunate Century Egg related incident in the school cafeteria, Kevin Lee becomes known as "Egg Boy". Even though he has been trying to be seen as more than the weird Chinese art kid, Egg Boy isn't exactly what he had in mind.
Between dealing with a mom who works all the time, an older sister who is tired of him, an overbearing grandmother, and an absent father things have been rough all around for Kevin. Instead of drawing and reading comics, he's expected to help around his mother's alterations shop and the house.
It's going to take something BIG for Kevin to break out of his "Egg Boy" shell, and the school trip to a local amusement park just might be the place for him to do so.
What worked for me: Xu's illustrations are fun, colorful, and deceptively simple. The facial expressions and emotions that he gets out of his characters are delightful. I loved Popo. She reminded me of my Great Grandma. This graphic novel, loosely inspired by Xu's childhood, will be a hit for students and there are many themes and events in this story that students will be able to connect to.
What didn't work for me: I would have liked to see more information about what's happening between Kevin and the fantasy/sci fi comic book characters. I wasn't ever sure if it was a comic that Kevin was creating or if it was one that he was reading.
After an unfortunate Century Egg related incident in the school cafeteria, Kevin Lee becomes known as "Egg Boy". Even though he has been trying to be seen as more than the weird Chinese art kid, Egg Boy isn't exactly what he had in mind.
Between dealing with a mom who works all the time, an older sister who is tired of him, an overbearing grandmother, and an absent father things have been rough all around for Kevin. Instead of drawing and reading comics, he's expected to help around his mother's alterations shop and the house.
It's going to take something BIG for Kevin to break out of his "Egg Boy" shell, and the school trip to a local amusement park just might be the place for him to do so.
What worked for me: Xu's illustrations are fun, colorful, and deceptively simple. The facial expressions and emotions that he gets out of his characters are delightful. I loved Popo. She reminded me of my Great Grandma. This graphic novel, loosely inspired by Xu's childhood, will be a hit for students and there are many themes and events in this story that students will be able to connect to.
What didn't work for me: I would have liked to see more information about what's happening between Kevin and the fantasy/sci fi comic book characters. I wasn't ever sure if it was a comic that Kevin was creating or if it was one that he was reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
A great middle-grade story of dealing with family, culture, and middle school all at once. Clever title, because Kevin's mom makes clothes alterations but there is a lot of change in their life right now.
Kevin's grandmother moves in after mom's divorce and they all try to move on from the break. The older sister used to be Kevin's friend and they used to have fun but the pressure of College approaching, dad leaving and ending contact with them, plus sharing her room with her younger brother makes their relationship harder. Their mom is trying to keep their business floating and there is so much they don't know about her as a child or teen.
At school things aren't easy as well, the mom thinks it's best not to draw attention, but Kevin ends up getting all the attention (but not in a good way).
Kids dealing with racism, prejudice, parents breaking up, loving, different generations, accepting, and owning their culture. Kevin was born in America and he is developing a personality with likes and dislikes of his own, not the racist stereotype associated with looking Asian.
It has a great twist at the end with a fun school trip.
I love Kevin's grandmother. She is awesome. Great lesson in being brave, standing for your beliefs, and dealing with.
It's fun that we get some insight into Kevin's favorite comics and stories with some comic pages.
Got a copy from the publisger
Kevin's grandmother moves in after mom's divorce and they all try to move on from the break. The older sister used to be Kevin's friend and they used to have fun but the pressure of College approaching, dad leaving and ending contact with them, plus sharing her room with her younger brother makes their relationship harder. Their mom is trying to keep their business floating and there is so much they don't know about her as a child or teen.
At school things aren't easy as well, the mom thinks it's best not to draw attention, but Kevin ends up getting all the attention (but not in a good way).
Kids dealing with racism, prejudice, parents breaking up, loving, different generations, accepting, and owning their culture. Kevin was born in America and he is developing a personality with likes and dislikes of his own, not the racist stereotype associated with looking Asian.
It has a great twist at the end with a fun school trip.
I love Kevin's grandmother. She is awesome. Great lesson in being brave, standing for your beliefs, and dealing with.
It's fun that we get some insight into Kevin's favorite comics and stories with some comic pages.
Got a copy from the publisger
July 19, 2024
Kevin Lee is having a bad week. His mom is always wanting him to help in her dry cleaner shop, he gets teased at school about his lunch, and he gets in trouble for hitting another student with a basketball in gym. He’s also always fighting with his older sister, who wants her own bedroom. The week ends with Kevin going on a class trip to the new theme park Thrill Planet, which he’s so excited about. Kevin must decide on that trip if he’ll continue to let the teasing by his classmates get him down, or if he’ll take a chance to show them how brave he really is.
This was such a great graphic novel! It’s set in the early 90s in Toronto. I love reading books set in my hometown because everything is so familiar. I especially liked the Thrill Planet theme park, which resembled Canada’s Wonderland! This story would be relatable for many young readers. Kevin’s family were immigrants to Canada. His parents were divorced and his mother had to work constantly to make ends meet, which made Kevin and his sister feel like they didn’t get enough attention from her. I’m sure many young readers will relate to this story!
Alterations is a great middle grade graphic novel!
Thank you Union Square and Co. for sending me a copy of this book!
This was such a great graphic novel! It’s set in the early 90s in Toronto. I love reading books set in my hometown because everything is so familiar. I especially liked the Thrill Planet theme park, which resembled Canada’s Wonderland! This story would be relatable for many young readers. Kevin’s family were immigrants to Canada. His parents were divorced and his mother had to work constantly to make ends meet, which made Kevin and his sister feel like they didn’t get enough attention from her. I’m sure many young readers will relate to this story!
Alterations is a great middle grade graphic novel!
Thank you Union Square and Co. for sending me a copy of this book!
June 28, 2023
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from PW’s Grab a Galley from the US Book Show.
Middle school can be tough, and it can be especially tough when you are considered an immigrant and you don't fit the norms. Kevin loves drawing comics and is the child of Chinese immigrants in Toronto. He doesn't fit in with his classmates and has struggles at home too. His parents are recently divorced; his grandmother has come from China to stay with them; his older sister is a senior, and his mom works nonstop on her business to support them. Readers will connect with Kevin and relate to his feelings and reactions. Xu weaves humor through the more serious points he makes. Kevin expresses himself through the comics he draws. Near the end, both his character and he have to face themselves and find who they are inside. A dangerous situation opens dialogue for the generations and provides a new start for them all.
I received an electronic ARC from PW’s Grab a Galley from the US Book Show.
Middle school can be tough, and it can be especially tough when you are considered an immigrant and you don't fit the norms. Kevin loves drawing comics and is the child of Chinese immigrants in Toronto. He doesn't fit in with his classmates and has struggles at home too. His parents are recently divorced; his grandmother has come from China to stay with them; his older sister is a senior, and his mom works nonstop on her business to support them. Readers will connect with Kevin and relate to his feelings and reactions. Xu weaves humor through the more serious points he makes. Kevin expresses himself through the comics he draws. Near the end, both his character and he have to face themselves and find who they are inside. A dangerous situation opens dialogue for the generations and provides a new start for them all.
November 14, 2024
This book was so funny!
I loved Kevin and you were just rooting for him from the start!
Popo (grandma) was so funny!
There were a lot of issues like being a child of immigrants and having to prove yourself and bullying as well as neglect but it didn’t really deal with any of them…he fought with his sister a lot and the mum was busy working to make ends meet and he was struggling and his sister was struggling and Popo was trying to hold the family together but in the end Kevin’s stunt brought them together.
I loved the art style and I found this really funny and I defo think the kids will enjoy this! Sadly it did not have any acknowledgements! I love reading them!
Defo think children of immigrants or just kids that aren’t white will find it relatable…even just the grandma being such a grandma 😹
I loved Kevin and you were just rooting for him from the start!
Popo (grandma) was so funny!
There were a lot of issues like being a child of immigrants and having to prove yourself and bullying as well as neglect but it didn’t really deal with any of them…he fought with his sister a lot and the mum was busy working to make ends meet and he was struggling and his sister was struggling and Popo was trying to hold the family together but in the end Kevin’s stunt brought them together.
I loved the art style and I found this really funny and I defo think the kids will enjoy this! Sadly it did not have any acknowledgements! I love reading them!
Defo think children of immigrants or just kids that aren’t white will find it relatable…even just the grandma being such a grandma 😹
May 17, 2024
I can't help but feel like this is a rehashed version of the other immigrant-kid-in Canada titles that have come out in the last few years. I didn't find anything particularly different about this story that made it stand out amid the rest.
It's someone's story and I get that. There are interesting points, learning about his mom and uncle trying to leave communist china, the roller coaster, the yearly trip of every school in the GTA going to wonderland, etc. It combined aspects that are familiar (school bullying, random clique groupings, falling out with friends) with aspects that are familiar to first-generation Canadians ("weird" cultural food, visiting grandparents, the struggles of immigrating to Canada).
I just think there are other, better, stories out there.
It's someone's story and I get that. There are interesting points, learning about his mom and uncle trying to leave communist china, the roller coaster, the yearly trip of every school in the GTA going to wonderland, etc. It combined aspects that are familiar (school bullying, random clique groupings, falling out with friends) with aspects that are familiar to first-generation Canadians ("weird" cultural food, visiting grandparents, the struggles of immigrating to Canada).
I just think there are other, better, stories out there.
June 12, 2024
Lots of Windows and Mirrors in this young adult graphic novel. The protagonist, Kevin Lee, deals with a lot: racial and cultural prejudice as well as bullying at school, living with one parent who must support the family after a divorce, navigating intergenerational relationships, sibling conflict and all else that goes with figuring out who you are in middle school. Unfortunately, I found the narrative flow uneven and ran into abrupt jumps in places where I had trouble following the sequence of events. Also, parts of the comic book that Kevin is reading get inserted here and there, which for me, added to the choppiness rather than served the narrative purpose. Finally, I really didn't like the ending. Hoping to talk with colleagues about this one before we add it to our curriculum.
February 22, 2024
Kevin tries very hard to be invisible to most kids in middle school to keep his mother happy who just wants him to blend and not cause trouble. He disappears into reading and writing comics. The problem is, it's hard to blend when you don't look like most of the other kids in school. When Kevin earns a less-than-desirable nickname, he tries to make the best of it, but more trouble ensues. His grandmother tells him, "Sometimes you have to take risks...and DEAL with the consequences." Well, Kevin takes a big risk and reaps the reward. This book is by turns funny and sad as Kevin deals with all kinds of typical life problems and begins to grow into the person he ultimately wants to be.
July 6, 2024
I liked this story a lot. The sibling relationship is very real, with all its ups and downs. Popo is amazing. I did want to shake everyone in that family sometimes and tell them to be kinder to each other, but familes ARE messy, and not every fight ends in a big hug.
Despite having some heavier themes, the book still manages to be pretty funny.
The panel near the end is fantastic, where mom is telling the client ""Not everything has to be altered, only what is necessary"" while Kevin is smiling at himself in the mirror. Growing up means a lot of things change, but self-acceptance is also so very important - this book does a pretty good job of capturing that dichotomy.
Despite having some heavier themes, the book still manages to be pretty funny.
The panel near the end is fantastic, where mom is telling the client ""Not everything has to be altered, only what is necessary"" while Kevin is smiling at himself in the mirror. Growing up means a lot of things change, but self-acceptance is also so very important - this book does a pretty good job of capturing that dichotomy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
Ray struggles to find his place- at home and at school. At home, he has to balance homework, helping at his mom's store, and his grandmother's criticism. At school, he's known as the Asian kid who brings weird smelling food for lunch. But if he can just make it though this week, he will get to go on a school trip to Thrill Planet.
I thought this book was fine. I appreciated getting the different perspectives of the family dynamics from Ray and his sister. But overall, I don't really get the point of the school trip? Except for Ray to do a bunch of stuff he shouldn't and end up in serious danger?
I thought this book was fine. I appreciated getting the different perspectives of the family dynamics from Ray and his sister. But overall, I don't really get the point of the school trip? Except for Ray to do a bunch of stuff he shouldn't and end up in serious danger?
March 23, 2024
Kevin is a typical middle school kid; typical in that he faces everyday challenges connected to friendships, family, and fitting in. As a Chinese-American kiddo, he faces certain family expectations--ones that often pit him against his older sister, mother, or even Popo, his grandmother. But through it all, he learns that not everything needs alterations.
Ray Xu wrote a lovely graphic novel. The artwork is beautiful and the writing works. It lacks the punch of other titles like American Born Chinese, but it is a solid library addition. Recommended for GR 6-8.
Ray Xu wrote a lovely graphic novel. The artwork is beautiful and the writing works. It lacks the punch of other titles like American Born Chinese, but it is a solid library addition. Recommended for GR 6-8.
June 9, 2024
Kevin's life is pretty complicated. His parents recently divorced and now his mother works all the time. Worse, she expects him to help out in her store. His PoPo has moved in with them to help, but now he and his older sister have to share a room, so they are fighting all the time. He is mostly invisible at school... until he isn't. The lunch his PoPo packs for him earns him a not-so-great nickname, and the attention of the entire school. But at least he can always escape into his comics and his art. Nice art and kind of a train wreck family keeps the reader engaged.
July 3, 2024
This is a realistic, largely empathetic take on an immigrant family navigating a crisis, until it's not. Up until the last 40 pages, this feels exactly like something that could happen, including a complex situation where everyone in the family is right and wrong. And then every drop of realism goes right out the window at the amusement park, so much so that it jarred me right out of the narrative. Probably a lot of middle grade readers won't mind, but for me it felt like an abrupt and unwelcome genre shift.
January 7, 2025
In this graphic novel based on his own childhood, Xu tells the story of Kevin, the seemingly invisible younger brother in his Chinese-Canadian family. Kevin loves to draw and doesn’t understand why his former friend seems to suddenly hate him. His mom works all the time at her shop (she’s a seamstress who does alterations) and when she’s around, she’s always yelling. When his grandmother packs a century egg in his lunch, he gets teased for the smell and ends up being called “Egg Boy.” A delightful story about growing up as in immigrant and the challenges of navigating middle school.
January 31, 2024
Life is hard and sometimes the hurdles feel endless. Ray Xu gives us a beautiful graphic novel that examines the struggles of a multigenerational Chinese family living in Toronto. From middle school Kevin (unfortunately nicknamed Egg Boy in middle school) to wise grandma, Popo, this book gives life to the very real struggles of a family that is experiencing the fact that life is not always what you want it to be. Alterations is a heartwarming and comedic graphic novel with a gentle reminder to have patience, grace, and empathy for others.
January 30, 2024
Super excited to be hosting a spot with @rockstarbooktours @unionsqco on this Alterations booktour and my tour stops here.
👦🏻 review: I like this graphic novel because it dealt with many real life situations that I’ve had seen in school and also read many books about this topic. This book is funny and sad at the same time. I like the illustrations, the story, the conversations and the character’s motivations and it made this book incredibly amazing.
👦🏻 review: I like this graphic novel because it dealt with many real life situations that I’ve had seen in school and also read many books about this topic. This book is funny and sad at the same time. I like the illustrations, the story, the conversations and the character’s motivations and it made this book incredibly amazing.
February 4, 2024
3.5 View into the lives of immigrant children as well as the generational trauma that brought their parent to America. The effects of divorce, being the oldest, intergenerational living, dealing with prejudice, and so much more wrapped up in this graphic novel along with a middle schooler's imagination and drawings. I guess an ode to art as a healing and creative force. Would have given it more stars if the story flowed better.
January 3, 2025
Loved seeing Asian representation in a middle grade GN that has a male protagonist. The premise was excellent and I wanted to keep reading to see what Kevin would do when he continues to encounter racism and bullying from his classmates. I had a hard time following the transitions at times from Kevin's real world to the comic book world. Also, on the ebook version, the coloring of his family members is inconsistent.
January 16, 2025
Such a good graphic novel - loosely based on author's own life growing up in Toronto. Kevin's mom works all the time in an alterations shop, his sibling relationship with his older sister Betty is so true to life, he gets a weird nickname for eating a centuries egg, he loves comics, and it's interspersed with little bits of a space adventure comic he's presumably writing that adds a little weirdness in the end.
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