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Lily Xiao Speaks Out
Lily Xiao can’t wait to go to Camp Rock Out this summer, where she’ll finally be able to shed her “class robot” good girl reputation and start her journey to becoming the next Eddie Vedder! And she can’t wait to do it with her best friend and cousin, Vivian, who’s just moved from Taiwan to Lily’s California hometown.
But as the two cousins work their way through seventh grade, Vivian struggles more and more with her schoolwork, which is all taught in English. If Vivian can’t get her grades up, her parents won’t let her go to rock camp.
Determined to help, Lily embarks on a mission to push their school to provide more support for English-as-a-Second-Language learners like Vivian. But her first-generation immigrant family is nervous about Lily challenging the status quo. We should be grateful to be here, they always say. With Camp Rock Out on the line, Lily will need to decide how far she’ll push against her family’s wishes in order to stand up and speak out.
But as the two cousins work their way through seventh grade, Vivian struggles more and more with her schoolwork, which is all taught in English. If Vivian can’t get her grades up, her parents won’t let her go to rock camp.
Determined to help, Lily embarks on a mission to push their school to provide more support for English-as-a-Second-Language learners like Vivian. But her first-generation immigrant family is nervous about Lily challenging the status quo. We should be grateful to be here, they always say. With Camp Rock Out on the line, Lily will need to decide how far she’ll push against her family’s wishes in order to stand up and speak out.
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First published May 7, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 22, 2023
I hope Chen realizes what an inspiring book she has on her hands. I know there will be populations at my school that will benefit from having Lily Xiao Speaks Out on the library shelf. Lily’s story is so important across generations and empathetically shows the struggles of an immigrant family in such a way that will resonate with many readers. I do hope we will see a teacher’s guide and student edition, especially because books that highlight problematic topics in education and understanding are rare.
May 31, 2024
We (both my kids and I) loved It’s Boba Time For Pearl Li, so we were excited to read Nicole’s newest novel…and it did not disappoint! While Lily Xiao is different in a bunch of ways to Pearl, like the story being based in the 1990s and parents that don't quite understand what it's like being a kid of immigrants, she loves grunge rock, not cute crochet animals, and she doesn’t have that many friends, there are also a lot of similarities that make it a really sweet, fun, and empowering read that I think lots of kids will enjoy. It was also really interesting to learn more about how ESL support wasn’t a given in California schools back in the 1980s and 1990s, even though there was a lot of immigration then.
Overall, the book explored some really interesting themes, like representation in rock and roll (both of Asian Americans and of women), the history of Taiwan and censorship, what it means to be American and how language plays into that, but was also fun, kid-relatable, and yummy with all the yummy Taiwanese food descriptions. Readers who loved It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li will like this one too!
Overall, the book explored some really interesting themes, like representation in rock and roll (both of Asian Americans and of women), the history of Taiwan and censorship, what it means to be American and how language plays into that, but was also fun, kid-relatable, and yummy with all the yummy Taiwanese food descriptions. Readers who loved It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li will like this one too!
January 23, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In the early 1990s, Lily Xiao is heavily into grunge rock, and wants to be like Eddie Vedder or Pearl Jam. This is something of a struggle, since her Taiwanese family is much more concerned with her academic success. While Lily does fine in school, her cousin Vivian, who has just moved to the US, is struggling with assignments because she is still improving her English language skills. When Lily finds a "Camp Rock Out" summer camp that promises to held her learn guitar, Lily really wants to attend with Vivian, who plays drums. The families make a deal with the girls, thanks to Lily's supportive grandmother, Ah-ma; if the girls do well in school, they can attend the camp. Lily even contacts Vivian's teacher to ask for help, and when he tells her that since California's 1986 Proposition 63, there are no ESL services. Since Lily is a model student, she even takes her concerns to the principal, who not only tells her there is no money in the budget for services, but also insinuates that since Vivian's family chose to come to the US, they are the ones responsible for her language challenges. Lily works with other students, including Marcos, a "skater boy", to tutor students and to gather signatures for a petition asking for services. With the help of Keiko, who words at the local record store and performs with an all girl grunge band called Pandora's Box, Lily works on her grunge music skills but also starts to find her own voice to speak up for the oppressed. If grunge music is about "shining light into the dark corners that people don't like to see", will Lily and Vivian be able to use the power of their music to instigate change in their family and community?
Strengths: If you have students who are super into the grunge rock of the 1990s, this is definitely the book for them! Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Nirvana, and other groups are all mentioned. The role of women in rock music is discussed in a way that will hopefully make young readers take a closer look at music today, and perhaps encourage them to take a deep dive into their parents' music! There are plenty of good details of the 1990s, with fashions and other cultural touchpoints that took me right back to my first years of teaching, when my students showed me how to peg my pants! The family dynamics in Lily and Vivian's family are interesting, and I loved that Ah-ma wanted them both to do well but was more lenient than their parents. Lily's combination of music and social activism, while rooted firmly in the 1990s, will certainly resonate with today's young readers.
Weaknesses: There is a lot about grunge music, and this might slow the story down for readers who are not as interested in it.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed retro music themed books like Acampora's Confusion is Nothing New or Perez's The First Rule of Punk, or who want to take a look at the troubling racial policies of California in the 1980s and 90s, as depicted in Cho's Troublemaker, Yang's Three Keys, or Tang's Parachute Kids.
In the early 1990s, Lily Xiao is heavily into grunge rock, and wants to be like Eddie Vedder or Pearl Jam. This is something of a struggle, since her Taiwanese family is much more concerned with her academic success. While Lily does fine in school, her cousin Vivian, who has just moved to the US, is struggling with assignments because she is still improving her English language skills. When Lily finds a "Camp Rock Out" summer camp that promises to held her learn guitar, Lily really wants to attend with Vivian, who plays drums. The families make a deal with the girls, thanks to Lily's supportive grandmother, Ah-ma; if the girls do well in school, they can attend the camp. Lily even contacts Vivian's teacher to ask for help, and when he tells her that since California's 1986 Proposition 63, there are no ESL services. Since Lily is a model student, she even takes her concerns to the principal, who not only tells her there is no money in the budget for services, but also insinuates that since Vivian's family chose to come to the US, they are the ones responsible for her language challenges. Lily works with other students, including Marcos, a "skater boy", to tutor students and to gather signatures for a petition asking for services. With the help of Keiko, who words at the local record store and performs with an all girl grunge band called Pandora's Box, Lily works on her grunge music skills but also starts to find her own voice to speak up for the oppressed. If grunge music is about "shining light into the dark corners that people don't like to see", will Lily and Vivian be able to use the power of their music to instigate change in their family and community?
Strengths: If you have students who are super into the grunge rock of the 1990s, this is definitely the book for them! Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Nirvana, and other groups are all mentioned. The role of women in rock music is discussed in a way that will hopefully make young readers take a closer look at music today, and perhaps encourage them to take a deep dive into their parents' music! There are plenty of good details of the 1990s, with fashions and other cultural touchpoints that took me right back to my first years of teaching, when my students showed me how to peg my pants! The family dynamics in Lily and Vivian's family are interesting, and I loved that Ah-ma wanted them both to do well but was more lenient than their parents. Lily's combination of music and social activism, while rooted firmly in the 1990s, will certainly resonate with today's young readers.
Weaknesses: There is a lot about grunge music, and this might slow the story down for readers who are not as interested in it.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed retro music themed books like Acampora's Confusion is Nothing New or Perez's The First Rule of Punk, or who want to take a look at the troubling racial policies of California in the 1980s and 90s, as depicted in Cho's Troublemaker, Yang's Three Keys, or Tang's Parachute Kids.
July 20, 2024
Lily is shy and quiet. Her family has raised her to respect authority and her Taiwanese heritage emphasises studying and following directions. Yet Lily loves grunge rock. She dreams of being in a band. In the course of this book, she finds an all girl band and creates her own guitar. When she finally holds a guitar on her own, she knows her dream is possible. She has self taught herself well. When encouraged to try singing, she cannot find the voice she needs to sing in a band. She is small, weak, and scared. At school her cousin, who just came from Taiwan, is struggling with classes. Lily wants to do a Rock School Summer Camp and promises her parents that she and her cousin will get good midterm grades. Lily asks a teacher and her principal to find ESL help for her cousin and the others that come from different countries to learn English better, but her principal believes in Immersion being the only way for newcomers to learn English and won't fight for the professional staff that could help the others. Lily's frustration builds until she decides there is only one way to find her dreams and help the other students.
This is a marvelous book about standing up for yourself and your friends against the administration and would be a great way for our quieter students to feel they may have a voice in their future. There is a lot of Mandarin Chinese and possibly Taiwanese in this book. (I know neither language, but I like how Chen allowed the dialogue to be explained in the places it is used.) I really loved the character of Lily's grandmother. There are reasons she is afraid of authority and tells her family to be quiet and obedient. She has lived experience that is explained in the book. I have some coworkers who are also parents of my elementary students. I want them to know about this book.
This is a marvelous book about standing up for yourself and your friends against the administration and would be a great way for our quieter students to feel they may have a voice in their future. There is a lot of Mandarin Chinese and possibly Taiwanese in this book. (I know neither language, but I like how Chen allowed the dialogue to be explained in the places it is used.) I really loved the character of Lily's grandmother. There are reasons she is afraid of authority and tells her family to be quiet and obedient. She has lived experience that is explained in the book. I have some coworkers who are also parents of my elementary students. I want them to know about this book.
July 4, 2024
Will Lily be able to stand up for others and find her voice?
Lily Xiao, a young lady, wants to break away from her "class robot" label and explore a grungier side to herself. When she stumbles upon Camp Rockout, it feels like a perfect opportunity for her and her cousin, Vivian, to pursue their dreams of becoming a singer and a drummer, respectively. However, there's a catch—Vivian is having trouble with English, and they can only attend the camp if their grades are both excellent on their progress reports. As Lily works to support her cousin, she realizes that many other kids also need assistance, and she begins to find her voice in the process.
In this book, the story unfolds in California during the 1990s, a time when grunge music dominated the music scene. The narrative makes several references to iconic rock bands like Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins. One fascinating tidbit I discovered was about Eddie Vedder, who was idolized by the character Lily and his involvement in the Temple of the Dog album. It was interesting to share this knowledge with my dad, who, despite being a teenager in the '90s, was unaware of Eddie Vedder's contribution to the album.
Lily emerged as a determined and relatable protagonist, and I cheered for her as she underwent significant character development throughout the book. Vivian, a character in the story, is portrayed as kind and endearing, while Marcos, another prominent character, is depicted as complex and multi-dimensional.
I recommend this book to grunge music fans and those who appreciate occasional nostalgic trips down memory lane.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of your book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lily Xiao, a young lady, wants to break away from her "class robot" label and explore a grungier side to herself. When she stumbles upon Camp Rockout, it feels like a perfect opportunity for her and her cousin, Vivian, to pursue their dreams of becoming a singer and a drummer, respectively. However, there's a catch—Vivian is having trouble with English, and they can only attend the camp if their grades are both excellent on their progress reports. As Lily works to support her cousin, she realizes that many other kids also need assistance, and she begins to find her voice in the process.
In this book, the story unfolds in California during the 1990s, a time when grunge music dominated the music scene. The narrative makes several references to iconic rock bands like Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins. One fascinating tidbit I discovered was about Eddie Vedder, who was idolized by the character Lily and his involvement in the Temple of the Dog album. It was interesting to share this knowledge with my dad, who, despite being a teenager in the '90s, was unaware of Eddie Vedder's contribution to the album.
Lily emerged as a determined and relatable protagonist, and I cheered for her as she underwent significant character development throughout the book. Vivian, a character in the story, is portrayed as kind and endearing, while Marcos, another prominent character, is depicted as complex and multi-dimensional.
I recommend this book to grunge music fans and those who appreciate occasional nostalgic trips down memory lane.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of your book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2024
Lily Xiao, Tawianese American and 6th grade student of the year, wants nothing more than to break out of the box her family and school have placed her in. She wants to rock, grunge for the win, like her favorite band Pearl Jam with lead singer Eddie Vedder. Lily wants to play the electric guitar - but not sing - and wants to attend Camp Rock Out over the summer to dig into her muscial ambitions. With her, she wants to take her cousin, Vivenne, who recently came to the US from Taipei, but Viv's issues with learning in American schools and learning the language complicates things. Lily looks to her English teacher and her principal about ESL classes, not just for Viv, but for ohter students struggling to learn English (Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Chinese), only to get shot down because the principal believes English immersion is the only way. When the ESL tutoring club Lily starts isn't helping as much as she wanted it to, she decides to fight the call - only to have her family try to keep her down for fear of what happened to her grandfather in Taiwan. With determination, intelligence, and heart, Lily and the other ESL club tutors set off to petition for change- even if it means that she and Viv can't go to Camp Rock Out. The cast is diverse and brings in older characters that teach Lily a few things about making her own way. Set firmly in the grunge rock movement - Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana - help set the stage for the 90s historical novel. Though some of the difficult topics are handled a little lightly, the book brings forth activism and learning to be yourself while honoring those around you.
May 20, 2025
4.5, rounding up for Goodreads.
A late first entry for this year's Asian Readathon, and I think I'll slot it in category 5, "Read a book written by an Asian author that’s nonfiction and/or political. Inspired by No Other Land. "Political" can include themes around social issues or fictional politics within the book's world." (it was already in my library pile so backfilling a bit).
This is a historical fiction! Set in early '90s (I think 1993?), Lily Xiao is a seventh grader at Pacific Park Middle School and the American-born daughter of Taiwanese immigrants. Her cousin, Vivian, is also in seventh grade and has been stateside for six months, struggling with school because she's still learning English. Lily is super into grunge, so I had to pull up Temple of the Dog, Seo Taji and the Boys, Counting Crows, and of course, Pearl Jam.
Some things feel very evergreen- fictional Pacific Park Middle used to have ESL courses but when California made English the official language in 1986 with Prop 63, the principal decided that they would be "English immersion" and is unhelpful when Lily seeks resources for Vivian and other students. Her Ah-Ma and parents remember relatives disappearing via political violence for speaking out, so they encourage Lily and Vivian to keep their heads down but it's not very rock 'n roll to be quiet... overall, I really liked this one.
A late first entry for this year's Asian Readathon, and I think I'll slot it in category 5, "Read a book written by an Asian author that’s nonfiction and/or political. Inspired by No Other Land. "Political" can include themes around social issues or fictional politics within the book's world." (it was already in my library pile so backfilling a bit).
This is a historical fiction! Set in early '90s (I think 1993?), Lily Xiao is a seventh grader at Pacific Park Middle School and the American-born daughter of Taiwanese immigrants. Her cousin, Vivian, is also in seventh grade and has been stateside for six months, struggling with school because she's still learning English. Lily is super into grunge, so I had to pull up Temple of the Dog, Seo Taji and the Boys, Counting Crows, and of course, Pearl Jam.
Some things feel very evergreen- fictional Pacific Park Middle used to have ESL courses but when California made English the official language in 1986 with Prop 63, the principal decided that they would be "English immersion" and is unhelpful when Lily seeks resources for Vivian and other students. Her Ah-Ma and parents remember relatives disappearing via political violence for speaking out, so they encourage Lily and Vivian to keep their heads down but it's not very rock 'n roll to be quiet... overall, I really liked this one.
January 9, 2024
This was such a fun read! As an Asian American, I was so excited to read this book. There are not enough books about Asians, especially Asian Americans, and I love how this one shows really realistic representation.
Lily was super relatable! I felt for her as she tried to step outside her comfort zone and be brave. I felt like her experience was really realistic, and her struggles with her family meant a lot of sense. It was fun to watch her learn to stand up for herself.
I loved all the representation in this book and how the author chose to highlight multiple different immigrants. Lily’s new friends learned how to work together as a team and look past stereotypes. The friendships in this book were excellent, and Lily’s relationship with her cousin was also really fun. While sometimes it was a bit painful to read Lily’s ups and downs, she grew from her mistakes.
The story in this one ends hopefully but also realistically. Some people and things don’t change, but it shows the power of standing up for yourself and your family. This is a wonderful middle grade fiction that I would totally recommend!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
Lily was super relatable! I felt for her as she tried to step outside her comfort zone and be brave. I felt like her experience was really realistic, and her struggles with her family meant a lot of sense. It was fun to watch her learn to stand up for herself.
I loved all the representation in this book and how the author chose to highlight multiple different immigrants. Lily’s new friends learned how to work together as a team and look past stereotypes. The friendships in this book were excellent, and Lily’s relationship with her cousin was also really fun. While sometimes it was a bit painful to read Lily’s ups and downs, she grew from her mistakes.
The story in this one ends hopefully but also realistically. Some people and things don’t change, but it shows the power of standing up for yourself and your family. This is a wonderful middle grade fiction that I would totally recommend!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
October 4, 2024
Lily is a Taiwanese American girl in 1990s California, going into 7th grade she is known for being the previous year’s student of the year, shy, quiet, and the one who will do the heavy lifting of any group project. However this year is going to be different, her outgoing cousin and best friend, Vivian, has just moved to her town from Taiwan and with her at her side she is convinced this will be the year where she will make more friends and learn to rock out like her favorite band, Pearl Jam. However, Lily’s rock and roll goals are getting side stepped because Vivian is struggling in school since she is expected to complete the same assignments as Lily, but with no added support for her as she learns English at the same time. Lily vows to get Vivian the help she needs, but she keeps running up against an education system that thinks Vivian should learn on her own. As Lily tries several avenues to get Vivian help she realizes that there are a lot of students who need help learning English and that the school hiring ESL teachers would help way more people than just Vivian. Can Lily find her voice to enact change just like her grunge music idols? Lily’s passion and insecurities will ring true to a lot of middle grade readers.
Recommended for any library serving students in grades 4th through 8th.
M.S.
Cbildren's Librarian
Recommended for any library serving students in grades 4th through 8th.
M.S.
Cbildren's Librarian
September 1, 2024
I loved the author’s note at the end which explained the inspiration of her own middle school years but also the goal of rewriting her childhood to have had the transformation and activism that Lily has. I’m going to start recommending this as must-read for all Taiwanese diaspora in middle and high school because it captures a crucial part of Taiwanese history in an age-appropriate way (from the perspective of the granddaughter of people who lived it). Although at times it was frustrating how repetitively her family pressure to “keep your head down” was used to create dramatic tension, perhaps it was an honest reflection of the author’s lived experience. In the end, this is a great narrative for “good kids” who yearn for a way to break out of the model minority trap and make real change happen in their communities.
July 17, 2025
Yeah, no, I definitely almost cried a few times while reading this.
Maybe it's because of today's political climate and how helpless it can feel a majority of the time, but seeing someone like Lily learn to fight for what she believes in to benefit people who would otherwise get a blind eye turned towards them was genuinely inspiring. At times my mind wanted to be cynical, especially at the parts mentioning that people here can speak their thoughts without getting in legal trouble, but I learned to shut that out. The point of this book was to burn the same kind of fire Lily has, and it succeeded. I would definitely recommend this to everyone, especially the middlegrade audience it's targeted toward.
Plus, as a bonus, it was just really fun seeing grunge being the center focus of inspiration. It's rare to see that genre get spotlight in books, especially for such a young audience.
Maybe it's because of today's political climate and how helpless it can feel a majority of the time, but seeing someone like Lily learn to fight for what she believes in to benefit people who would otherwise get a blind eye turned towards them was genuinely inspiring. At times my mind wanted to be cynical, especially at the parts mentioning that people here can speak their thoughts without getting in legal trouble, but I learned to shut that out. The point of this book was to burn the same kind of fire Lily has, and it succeeded. I would definitely recommend this to everyone, especially the middlegrade audience it's targeted toward.
Plus, as a bonus, it was just really fun seeing grunge being the center focus of inspiration. It's rare to see that genre get spotlight in books, especially for such a young audience.
May 10, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4.5/5 stars.
This is such a good middle grade read, and it's so important to talk about ESL in schools -- particularly the struggles it had in the 80s and 90s. I loved the combination of ESL, immigrant experience, history, families, expectations....and of course, grunge. It's a quick read because of it being middle grade, but I basically almost cried at the end (and would have if I hadn't been reading this in front of my students).
Lily finds her voice at the end, and I just, it's gorgeous.
This is such a good middle grade read, and it's so important to talk about ESL in schools -- particularly the struggles it had in the 80s and 90s. I loved the combination of ESL, immigrant experience, history, families, expectations....and of course, grunge. It's a quick read because of it being middle grade, but I basically almost cried at the end (and would have if I hadn't been reading this in front of my students).
Lily finds her voice at the end, and I just, it's gorgeous.
August 9, 2024
Lily Xiao Speaks Out: three stars. I liked Lily as a main character, and the combination of her interest in grunge music and her desire to advocate for ESL education for her cousin and community. Pacing was on the slow side. The highlighting of still-relevant issues within a 1990s setting reminded me a bit of the Front Desk series.
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May 20, 20244.5 stars!
June 5, 2024
Love a period piece set in *checks notes* 1993 🥲
July 1, 2024
An ode to Pearl Jam and a lesson on finding your voice.
August 7, 2024
A grunge-loving Taiwanese American tween who must use her voice to fight for ESL support at her school.
November 24, 2024
I enjoyed the story and the representation of girl grunge rockers. But other than that I didn't find a lot unique in this book.
April 23, 2025
i can so relate with wanting to break out of the "class study machine" stereotype, especially as a fellow Taiwanese American.
Would def recommend to my younger sister >:))
Would def recommend to my younger sister >:))
August 18, 2024
Definitely one i will read again, because of the music genre and her unique voice. Lily sees that something is wrong, and at first she doesn’t know what to do about it, but she gains confidence and does what’s right. I loved her music taste as well, and the message that rock is for everyone :)
Favorites: the record store, the characters, the voice
Least favorite: the principal
Favorites: the record store, the characters, the voice
Least favorite: the principal
September 28, 2024
My favorite kind of middle grades fiction! Lily learns to become herself while speaking up for others. For Lily, this also means stepping out of the Student of the Year Asian girl stereotype her classmates have cast her in, bringing people together to get ESL support at school for her cousin and other immigrants, pursuing her dream of playing rock music, and learning why her Taiwanese family is so afraid of crossing authority.
April 4, 2024
Nicole Chen touches on so many important topics that are relevant today through Lily Xiao: immigration, language, and education advocacy. The story is one that young readers (and adult readers like myself!! Yay 90s references!!) can relate to, enjoy, and learn from. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews