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Parachute Kids #2
Outsider Kids: A Parachute Kids Graphic Novel
Can one spoiled brat upend three kids' hard-won happiness and even their safety? Find out in this hilarious, hair-raising, high stakes companion to the bestselling Parachute Kids!
WITH FAMILY LIKE THIS, WHO NEEDS ENEMIES?
After seven months on their own as undocumented immigrants, the Lin siblings have settled into their new lives in California. Jia-Xi (Jesse) has a new job, Ke-Gang (Jason) has a new crush, and Feng-Li (Ann) is excited to celebrate her eleventh birthday with her new friends. Their parents still await visa approval in Taiwan, so the trio is trying to take better care of one another and stay under the radar of immigration authorities. But when their stuck-up cousin Josephine-a violin prodigy-arrives with her privilege and demands, suddenly their world is in turnaround. Will they have to give up their home, their friends, and the stability they worked so hard to achieve?
WITH FAMILY LIKE THIS, WHO NEEDS ENEMIES?
After seven months on their own as undocumented immigrants, the Lin siblings have settled into their new lives in California. Jia-Xi (Jesse) has a new job, Ke-Gang (Jason) has a new crush, and Feng-Li (Ann) is excited to celebrate her eleventh birthday with her new friends. Their parents still await visa approval in Taiwan, so the trio is trying to take better care of one another and stay under the radar of immigration authorities. But when their stuck-up cousin Josephine-a violin prodigy-arrives with her privilege and demands, suddenly their world is in turnaround. Will they have to give up their home, their friends, and the stability they worked so hard to achieve?
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2025
218 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 25, 2025
This book needs a sexually explicit warning. This is absolutely not appropriate for kids ages 9-12. My daughter came running to tell me she couldn’t finish the book because there was too much kissing - boy on boy, girl on boy and very sexual images. I am shocked this book doesn’t have a warning and Scholastic put this out for the age range. This either needs a warning or the recommended age should be minimum 16+
May 16, 2025
The follow-up to Parachute Kids is as strong as I expected. The characters and stories are hard but real: living as undocumented children, racism, bullying, understanding your sexuality. There’s plenty of plot lines, but it’s deftly told in a way that doesn’t feel over the top or unfocused. The narrative flow is commendable and while it’s a long graphic novel it doesn’t feel like it is with crisp illustrations and zippy dialogue. More for upper elementary and middle school as there is lots to unpack.
July 3, 2025
Wonderful graphic novel. Seeing a new immigrant storyline was really interesting to me. I love all the topics that were touched. Love learning about new cultures and experiences. I would recommend for grades 5 and up. I will be getting a copy for my school library.
December 25, 2025
5⭐️
i hope josephine rots in hell, idc if she’s 11
jason and alex were so cute i need them back together in the next book (edit: jason x alex yaoi?? 👀 (im aware this book is for kids stfu (even tho im a kid…)))
this book was even better than the last one 🫶😛
i hope josephine rots in hell, idc if she’s 11
jason and alex were so cute i need them back together in the next book (edit: jason x alex yaoi?? 👀 (im aware this book is for kids stfu (even tho im a kid…)))
this book was even better than the last one 🫶😛
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April 26, 2025Towards the end, there was a twist I legit didn't see coming, and I am horrified by their cousin.
May 9, 2025
4.5 stars! Even better than the first book! Loved!
October 28, 2025
Again, LOVE these books! The depth to the characters and the plot are amazing! It’s so engaging and really reveals the realities of many endeavors many people, even kids, must face for a life many people are already used to. Being kind goes a long way. I recommend everyone to read this! And the graphics are phenomenal!
October 17, 2025
4.5 5 stars ⭐️ Although the audience for this book is middle grade, I can see my high school students being interested in this book. It shows how hard it is to move to a country where you don’t speak the language well, and have no adults around to help you due to immigration issues. I actually think this is a very current book and important, especially for people who thinks that anyone can easily move to a country and everything will work out well.
July 8, 2025
Can't wait for Book #3!
January 27, 2025
I'm so glad Parachute Kids: A Graphic Novel is being turned into a series!
In this second book, the Lin siblings' aunt and cousin are travelling from Taiwan to stay with them for a couple of weeks until the cousin starts music school. When a grandfather in Taiwan becomes ill, the aunt travels back to care for him, leaving the cousin, Josephine, behind.
Josephine is a spoiled brat and a definite pill. She's the same age as Feng-Li/Ann, and constantly picks on her and bullies her. At school, everyone likes Josephine better.
Meanwhile, Jia-Xi/Jesse is working at a restaurant where the owner is ripping her off for being an undocumented worker, and she's frantic about getting a high score on the SAT so she can get into Harvard. Ke-Gang/Jason has no friends, but finds himself crushing on a the brother of Jesse's best friend.
I didn't like this one as much as the first book, but it's still a really enjoyable series, and so needed right now, when undocumented immigrants are being targeted and dehumanized by the current administration.
In this second book, the Lin siblings' aunt and cousin are travelling from Taiwan to stay with them for a couple of weeks until the cousin starts music school. When a grandfather in Taiwan becomes ill, the aunt travels back to care for him, leaving the cousin, Josephine, behind.
Josephine is a spoiled brat and a definite pill. She's the same age as Feng-Li/Ann, and constantly picks on her and bullies her. At school, everyone likes Josephine better.
Meanwhile, Jia-Xi/Jesse is working at a restaurant where the owner is ripping her off for being an undocumented worker, and she's frantic about getting a high score on the SAT so she can get into Harvard. Ke-Gang/Jason has no friends, but finds himself crushing on a the brother of Jesse's best friend.
I didn't like this one as much as the first book, but it's still a really enjoyable series, and so needed right now, when undocumented immigrants are being targeted and dehumanized by the current administration.
October 25, 2025
NOTE: this was a filler read.
This one was more climatic than the last one, and it made it seem a less believable than the last one. I think Jia-xi should have been more supportive of Ke-Gang and Alex, but I suppose it was the 1980s. I'm also sad that she did so poorly on the SATS, but I guess the message is that sometimes you have to prioritize other things.
Really excited for #3 to come out.
This one was more climatic than the last one, and it made it seem a less believable than the last one. I think Jia-xi should have been more supportive of Ke-Gang and Alex, but I suppose it was the 1980s. I'm also sad that she did so poorly on the SATS, but I guess the message is that sometimes you have to prioritize other things.
Really excited for #3 to come out.
June 13, 2025
Loved this book so much. Better than the first one. We need a book about Jason and Alex.
September 29, 2025
FUCK THAT COUSIN BRO. SHE SUCKS.
February 25, 2025
Thank you Edelweiss Plus for providing a digital ARC copy.
This is the continuation of the story started in Parachute Kids. The Lin siblings have settled and they have settled into a routine, but when their aunt and cousin come to transition, new conflicts arise.
The conflicts in this book are definitely heavier than the first, and the portrayal of each siblings struggles were relatable and familiar. I could easily see my aunties and uncles (family and church) respond the same way as the ones in the book if they had kids in those situations.
For Jessie, the push for "the best" is real. And whether or not there actual parental pressure, the self imposed pressure as the eldest is real.
For Jason, I have friends who were in the same situation (actually, they're Christian AND Chinese), and the it was as if I was reading/hearing their story reflected in Jason's fear.
I think Ann's struggles are pretty universal to anyone trying to fit in. Middle school is a tough time for anyone, and any differences you have from the "norm" really make you stand out.
Their cousin's storyline was a bit of a shocker, but I guess the author had to show that even though a person's life looks perfect from the outside, it's really just a facade.
I did not like the implications the of the plot twist that lead to the final conflict of the story. I think there were other avenues for the Lin siblings needing to do what they had to. However, like many cliff hangers, I may have made an incorrect conclusion.
I think this book is probably more suitable for upper middle grades due to the storyline of the older siblings. I don't think an elementary schooler would be able to fully grasp the depth of Jason's and Jessie's stories.
This is the continuation of the story started in Parachute Kids. The Lin siblings have settled and they have settled into a routine, but when their aunt and cousin come to transition, new conflicts arise.
The conflicts in this book are definitely heavier than the first, and the portrayal of each siblings struggles were relatable and familiar. I could easily see my aunties and uncles (family and church) respond the same way as the ones in the book if they had kids in those situations.
For Jessie, the push for "the best" is real. And whether or not there actual parental pressure, the self imposed pressure as the eldest is real.
For Jason, I have friends who were in the same situation (actually, they're Christian AND Chinese), and the it was as if I was reading/hearing their story reflected in Jason's fear.
I think Ann's struggles are pretty universal to anyone trying to fit in. Middle school is a tough time for anyone, and any differences you have from the "norm" really make you stand out.
Their cousin's storyline was a bit of a shocker, but I guess the author had to show that even though a person's life looks perfect from the outside, it's really just a facade.
I did not like the implications the of the plot twist that lead to the final conflict of the story. I think there were other avenues for the Lin siblings needing to do what they had to. However, like many cliff hangers, I may have made an incorrect conclusion.
I think this book is probably more suitable for upper middle grades due to the storyline of the older siblings. I don't think an elementary schooler would be able to fully grasp the depth of Jason's and Jessie's stories.
November 17, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Feng-Li (Ann) Lin and her family travel from Taiwan to the US in 1981 to visit Disneyland and California, but the parents leave the children and return to Taiwan. Outsider Kids picks this story up. An aunt visits with Ann's cousin, Josephine, who has been accepted into a prestigious music school. The plan is for the mother to stay with her in the US, but when the grandfather back in Taiwan becomes ill, and the aunt has unspecified troubles back home, Josephine ends up staying with Ann and her older brother and sister. Josephine speaks much better English, and wins over all but a couple of Ann's friends. The two have a lot of animosity, and there are other problems in the family as well. Jason, the brother, develops a relationship with a boy, and when his religious sister (who is a friend of Jessie Lin) finds out, the families quarrell. Jessie is having trouble at work, since her boss pays her less and treats her terribly because of her undocumented status. After Ann writes a letter to the music school suggesting that Josephine is too mean to attend, Josephine finds out and calls the police to report the Lins to immigration. The three children are unable to take a bus to live with family friends, but Jessie manages to drive there.
This was an interesting look at the further adventure of the Lin family, but was much darker than the first book. Elementary aged children might struggle with this one a bit and need some help in navigating various situations.
Feng-Li (Ann) Lin and her family travel from Taiwan to the US in 1981 to visit Disneyland and California, but the parents leave the children and return to Taiwan. Outsider Kids picks this story up. An aunt visits with Ann's cousin, Josephine, who has been accepted into a prestigious music school. The plan is for the mother to stay with her in the US, but when the grandfather back in Taiwan becomes ill, and the aunt has unspecified troubles back home, Josephine ends up staying with Ann and her older brother and sister. Josephine speaks much better English, and wins over all but a couple of Ann's friends. The two have a lot of animosity, and there are other problems in the family as well. Jason, the brother, develops a relationship with a boy, and when his religious sister (who is a friend of Jessie Lin) finds out, the families quarrell. Jessie is having trouble at work, since her boss pays her less and treats her terribly because of her undocumented status. After Ann writes a letter to the music school suggesting that Josephine is too mean to attend, Josephine finds out and calls the police to report the Lins to immigration. The three children are unable to take a bus to live with family friends, but Jessie manages to drive there.
This was an interesting look at the further adventure of the Lin family, but was much darker than the first book. Elementary aged children might struggle with this one a bit and need some help in navigating various situations.
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November 21, 2025 Outsider kids Is a book about Taiwanese immigants. Ann, her sister, and brother are left in America with no visa! Well Ann and her brother go to school there sister works hard at a Chinese restaurant hoping to get Collage acceptance letters. It is hard with there parents being gone, to get through life. It gets even harder when there grandpa gets an illness's that means he will only survive one m ore week. There Aunt has to go be with Ann's parents in Taiwan and support him. So there Aunt leaves, but she has to go with out her daughter. Now it is Ann, her brother, sister, and mean cousin. Josiphene. Josiphene is very mean and snobby. She is an only child so she gets spoiled a lot. She is also very good at playing insrtuments. One day Ann gets so fed up with her cousin that she writes a letter to the fancy school that accepted Joshaphene. The letter talks about how mean Josphene is andf how she steals peoples friends. When Josiphene finds out she is very upset, all though he school recognized the hand writing was a childs so they didn't take it seriously. Late at night Jospihene makes a phone call to the police filing a report about illegals. The cops show up and ask for idea. Luckily Anns sister makes an excuse and they leave to go live in New York with more family. They are happy and safe there.
Over all I rate this book a eight out ten. It was good and there was a really good and unexpected plot twist. If you are looking for fun entertainment this is for you!
Over all I rate this book a eight out ten. It was good and there was a really good and unexpected plot twist. If you are looking for fun entertainment this is for you!
April 18, 2025
I read Parachute Kids back in March, and I instantly fell in love with the characters and the story. When I found about the sequel, I was hype the entire thirty days I had to wait. This book did NOT disappoint.
Although it’s in the background of the story, I really liked the plot with Jessie. As the oldest, I can completely relate to the pressure of being perfect (primarily academically), and anything below that is unacceptable. It’s a nice detail to her character.
I think it’s especially amazing that Jason is more in the spotlight this time around. Reading about his blossoming relationship with Alex was DEFINITELY something wonderful. The accidentally getting outed scene was unfortunately, very relatable. Tears were shed.
Middle school me could’ve related to Ann’s struggles a bit more than I can now. It’s still a universal struggle, and I’m glad it’s included in the story.
This book is great! Although it’s not a “happy” one, I think this ending is way better than the one in the first book. Definitely cried the last twenty pages. Like i’ve stated before, this book was definitely worth the wait!
Although it’s in the background of the story, I really liked the plot with Jessie. As the oldest, I can completely relate to the pressure of being perfect (primarily academically), and anything below that is unacceptable. It’s a nice detail to her character.
I think it’s especially amazing that Jason is more in the spotlight this time around. Reading about his blossoming relationship with Alex was DEFINITELY something wonderful. The accidentally getting outed scene was unfortunately, very relatable. Tears were shed.
Middle school me could’ve related to Ann’s struggles a bit more than I can now. It’s still a universal struggle, and I’m glad it’s included in the story.
This book is great! Although it’s not a “happy” one, I think this ending is way better than the one in the first book. Definitely cried the last twenty pages. Like i’ve stated before, this book was definitely worth the wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
If you enjoyed Parachute Kids, you’ll love this sequel. You definitely need to read that one first before diving in here as this picks up after those events.
Although classified as middle-grade, this, like its predecessor does a fantastic job of juggling the stories of all three siblings. The youngest, middle-grader, Ann, isn’t always her best self when contending with a not so nice cousin overstaying her welcome, while her brother Jason enters into a romance that isn’t well-received by all, and the eldest, Jessie, continues to have a ton on her plate from trying to get into Harvard, managing the family finances, caring for her siblings, and dealing with a boss who wants to underpay her due to her undocumented status.
This one’s emotionally engaging throughout, though never more so than in the final quarter where the stakes truly ramp up for these kids. This was such a satisfying read, yet (or maybe because of that) I greedily want even more of this family, I’m very much hoping for a third book and beyond.
Although classified as middle-grade, this, like its predecessor does a fantastic job of juggling the stories of all three siblings. The youngest, middle-grader, Ann, isn’t always her best self when contending with a not so nice cousin overstaying her welcome, while her brother Jason enters into a romance that isn’t well-received by all, and the eldest, Jessie, continues to have a ton on her plate from trying to get into Harvard, managing the family finances, caring for her siblings, and dealing with a boss who wants to underpay her due to her undocumented status.
This one’s emotionally engaging throughout, though never more so than in the final quarter where the stakes truly ramp up for these kids. This was such a satisfying read, yet (or maybe because of that) I greedily want even more of this family, I’m very much hoping for a third book and beyond.
July 19, 2025
I was a big fan of Parachute Kids so I was excited to read the sequel. It didn't disappoint! I loved it just as much as the first book.
Tang extends the story of the 3 Lin siblings, who are living in the U.S. while their parents stay in Taiwan awaiting a green card. The Lins are slowly getting acclimated to life in America - they've made friends, their English has improved, and they've even connected with other "parachute kids". But when their spoiled cousin visits, everything gets shaken up.
This book is well-written and very inclusive. It paints a believable picture of the immigrant experience, and what could be more timely in this divisive political landscape? I hope kids will pick this up and devour it - whether they can relate to the Lins' story or it helps them consider how different childhood can be for those migrating from their home country to a new one.
Highly recommended!
Tang extends the story of the 3 Lin siblings, who are living in the U.S. while their parents stay in Taiwan awaiting a green card. The Lins are slowly getting acclimated to life in America - they've made friends, their English has improved, and they've even connected with other "parachute kids". But when their spoiled cousin visits, everything gets shaken up.
This book is well-written and very inclusive. It paints a believable picture of the immigrant experience, and what could be more timely in this divisive political landscape? I hope kids will pick this up and devour it - whether they can relate to the Lins' story or it helps them consider how different childhood can be for those migrating from their home country to a new one.
Highly recommended!
August 19, 2025
I read and mostly liked the first graphic novel in this series, which I don't think was originaly intended to have a sequel. This volume addresses some of the things I didn't love about the original book, simply by extending the narrative. I didn't love that Jason's storyline ended with him being unhappily closeted, apparently forever, so seeing him get a boyfriend and come out to his siblings felt good to read. Likewise, oldest daughter Jesse gets a lot of pressure taken off of her at various points in this book, and the story ends with the kids in a more stable situation. A lot of this book is taken up with a very mean and spoiled cousin. Somewhat realistically, there's no real redemption arc for this kid, and she causes a lot of damage in her time with the siblings. Definitely feel like a lot of readers will find that a lot easier to identify with than a narrative where the bully gets a comeupance or reforms. And as before, strong dialog throughout.
May 1, 2025
4.5/5
i liked this book. i'd say that tang did better on this one than she did on parachute kids, but i'm not sure what i rated that one, so i'm sorry if my ratings don't match up.
once again, tang's work is immaculate. her storytelling is great, and the character development was good. i really liked how she used background colors and box shapes to show the emotion her characters were feeling or the state of the situation they are in.
one thing that i didn't really like in this book is how unnatural ke-gāng and alex's romance seemed. i understand that it isn't the focus of the book, and maybe i just skipped over the important parts that specified the time-frames of certain events, but it felt like it was rushed.
anyhoo, the ending of the book seems to promise another sequel, so i will be waiting for it to come out while i read her other books!
i liked this book. i'd say that tang did better on this one than she did on parachute kids, but i'm not sure what i rated that one, so i'm sorry if my ratings don't match up.
once again, tang's work is immaculate. her storytelling is great, and the character development was good. i really liked how she used background colors and box shapes to show the emotion her characters were feeling or the state of the situation they are in.
one thing that i didn't really like in this book is how unnatural ke-gāng and alex's romance seemed. i understand that it isn't the focus of the book, and maybe i just skipped over the important parts that specified the time-frames of certain events, but it felt like it was rushed.
anyhoo, the ending of the book seems to promise another sequel, so i will be waiting for it to come out while i read her other books!
July 28, 2025
Reading 2025
Book 147: Outsider Kids: A Parachute Kids Graphic Novel by Betty C. Tang
Was so excited when I saw that there was a sequel to Parachute Kids. This is a middle grade graphic novel based on true life events. I learned so much from the first book, and bought this book to keep on my shelf.
Synopsis: Can one spoiled brat upend three kids' hard-won happiness and even their safety? Find out in this hilarious, hair-raising, high stakes companion to the bestselling Parachute Kids!
Review: So much happens in this book to the Lin sibs that may go over the heads of younger middle grade readers. There is family drama on top of middle and high school issues. Of course, the Lins are by themselves and daily they have to hide that their parents are living in Taiwan. I liked this book, not as much as the first one. My rating 4.25⭐️
Book 147: Outsider Kids: A Parachute Kids Graphic Novel by Betty C. Tang
Was so excited when I saw that there was a sequel to Parachute Kids. This is a middle grade graphic novel based on true life events. I learned so much from the first book, and bought this book to keep on my shelf.
Synopsis: Can one spoiled brat upend three kids' hard-won happiness and even their safety? Find out in this hilarious, hair-raising, high stakes companion to the bestselling Parachute Kids!
Review: So much happens in this book to the Lin sibs that may go over the heads of younger middle grade readers. There is family drama on top of middle and high school issues. Of course, the Lins are by themselves and daily they have to hide that their parents are living in Taiwan. I liked this book, not as much as the first one. My rating 4.25⭐️
September 8, 2025
Second parachute kids book that continues the story of the three kids left to fend for themselves while their parents wait in Taiwan for visas to come back to America. The oldest is studying to take the SAT's over so she can get into Harvard. The brother is finding love and the youngest, Ann, is trying to learn English, keep her friends and play the flute. A cousin and aunt come to stay with them and it gets crazy. The cousin, Josephine, is a snob and the aunt pampers her every whim. Josephine and Ann used to be best friends but not now. Ann tries but Josephine is so mean....she takes all Ann's friends, she treats her horrible....it's very disruptive to the life the 3 kids have made for themselves. Everything comes to a head and it looks like no one will be the winner.
May 19, 2025
This is unnecessary to introduce to elementary age children. My 4th grader came to me with the book and said I think this is inappropriate, and I have to agree. While the book per the recap is supposed to be focused on parachute kids surviving life, its strays into so many unnecessary topics. An 11yr old accidentally drinks alcohol and gets hungover (talk about virgin drinks), she calls ICE on her cousins in retaliation for another mean act, two boys kiss in a church and they attach sterotypes that asian kids cant be gay and christians kids families don't want them to be gay, they talk about the uncle having an affair and a mistress who gets pregnant. The list goes on. So all this may be appropriate for your child, but it wasn't for mine
November 9, 2025
My 9 year old daughter read this book and was shocked to tell me it was all about being gay and boys kissing boys. Mind you she has never kissed anyone being only 9 so I find it strange for her to read about boys getting caught making out in church… and the boys saying they wanted to see if they’d be struck down by god. And then it goes on to say “there are no homosexuals in their homeland of China - only in America.” Like wtf?! Not really what a 4th grader should be reading…. And really not a great message. IMO the book jacket should mention something to make the reader aware this is for middle school kids and maturity levels and not elementary kids. Especially being as it is a graphic novel in the kids section of the library and not the young adult section.
December 7, 2025
A quick graphic novel YA edition read! Not for younger children.
“WITH FAMILY LIKE THIS, WHO NEEDS ENEMIES?
After seven months on their own as undocumented immigrants, the Lin siblings have settled into their new lives in California. Sis has a new job, Bro has a new crush, and Feng-Li (Ann) is excited to celebrate her eleventh birthday with her new friends. Their parents still await visa approval in Taiwan, so the trio is trying to take better care of one another and stay under the radar of immigration authorities.
But when their cousin Josephine―a violin prodigy―arrives with her privilege and demands, suddenly their world is turned upside down. Will they have to give up the life and the stability they worked so hard to achieve?”
“WITH FAMILY LIKE THIS, WHO NEEDS ENEMIES?
After seven months on their own as undocumented immigrants, the Lin siblings have settled into their new lives in California. Sis has a new job, Bro has a new crush, and Feng-Li (Ann) is excited to celebrate her eleventh birthday with her new friends. Their parents still await visa approval in Taiwan, so the trio is trying to take better care of one another and stay under the radar of immigration authorities.
But when their cousin Josephine―a violin prodigy―arrives with her privilege and demands, suddenly their world is turned upside down. Will they have to give up the life and the stability they worked so hard to achieve?”
May 24, 2025
Feng-Li (Ann) was finally settling into her new school and making friends. Bro has a new romance and Sis is preparing with her bestie for SATs. Their parents are still stuck in Taiwan trying to get their visas. One day, Auntie and cousin Josephine arrive. Feng-Li is excited to see her old bestie at first, but then realizes that Josephine has turned into a super mean girl. Josephine steals all of Feng-Li's friends, insults her and her siblings at every turn, and in general acts super spoiled. How long will they have to put up with her shenanigans?
May 14, 2025
Graphic Novel
The Lin siblings have been on their own when their story picks up. Readers see how they're adjusting to life without their parents. They've learned some hard lessons and still have their own squabbles amongst themselves. We learn more about each of the three and add in a spoiled cousin who has to stay with them for a few weeks too. They are resilient and scared and rise to face all that they must to stay together. Tang offers a lighter touch with some serious issues.
The Lin siblings have been on their own when their story picks up. Readers see how they're adjusting to life without their parents. They've learned some hard lessons and still have their own squabbles amongst themselves. We learn more about each of the three and add in a spoiled cousin who has to stay with them for a few weeks too. They are resilient and scared and rise to face all that they must to stay together. Tang offers a lighter touch with some serious issues.
July 19, 2025
3.5 stars. This one wasn't as good as the first, but I still enjoyed it enough. The book follows the siblings as their aunt and cousin come to visit. The aunt has to go back to Taiwan because the grandpa is sick so the cousin stays with them and she's AWFUL. Like most hated character ever. The kids are still trying to make sure nobody finds out they're illegally in the US and the brother is trying to figure out how to be openly gay. Overall, its fine, but not as great as the first.
October 22, 2025
This could have been a perfectly good book. Even Jason being gay would have been mostly okay, I don't agree with it, but whatever. However, a drawing of two boys kissing is too much, especially for a book located in the junior section of the library. There is a classy way of writing relationships, and I don't agree with having two boys, two girls, or a boy and a girl kissing in a book that kids as young as first grade could get ahold of.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews