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The Queen Bees of Tybee County
Better Nate Than Ever meets Dumplin’ in this charming, poignant debut by Kyle Casey Chu, aka Panda Dulce, a founding queen of Drag Story Hour.
After making the buzzer-beating shot at the Georgia basketball state championships, Derrick Chan becomes the star of Bayard Middle School, and Derrick’s single dad could not be prouder. But there are parts of Derrick that no one knows about, like the toenail polish he wears under his basketball sneakers, his secret lip-sync performances in the bathroom mirror, and the feelings he’s developing for his best friend and teammate, JJ.
As the school year comes to a close, Derrick’s dad takes an out-of-town job and ships Derrick off to spend the summer with his estranged, eccentric grandmother, Claudia. Soon, Claudia introduces Derrick to the world of small-town southern beauty pageants, and Derrick suddenly feels he’s found where he belongs. But when the opportunity arises to compete in the town pageant, Derrick is forced to decide just how much of himself he’s ready to show the world.
Can he learn to love and accept the most unique parts of himself? And what will happen if others—like his father and JJ—can’t do the same?
After making the buzzer-beating shot at the Georgia basketball state championships, Derrick Chan becomes the star of Bayard Middle School, and Derrick’s single dad could not be prouder. But there are parts of Derrick that no one knows about, like the toenail polish he wears under his basketball sneakers, his secret lip-sync performances in the bathroom mirror, and the feelings he’s developing for his best friend and teammate, JJ.
As the school year comes to a close, Derrick’s dad takes an out-of-town job and ships Derrick off to spend the summer with his estranged, eccentric grandmother, Claudia. Soon, Claudia introduces Derrick to the world of small-town southern beauty pageants, and Derrick suddenly feels he’s found where he belongs. But when the opportunity arises to compete in the town pageant, Derrick is forced to decide just how much of himself he’s ready to show the world.
Can he learn to love and accept the most unique parts of himself? And what will happen if others—like his father and JJ—can’t do the same?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2025
7 people are currently reading
3815 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 3, 2025
Loved this so much; cried multiple times
August 19, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I found myself immediately enamored with this book within the first few chapters. The book tells the story of a young Chinese American boy as he discovers his love for drag and his identity in the community over a Summer of Yeses with his semi-estranged grandmother and a ragtag couple of friends who remind me so much of exactly who I needed in my life as a young, queer person.
I loved Derrick as a character and watching his journey of discovery. It felt true to the experience I went through when coming out and it is nice to feel seen and understood on a real level and not a “Hollywood portrayal” of what coming to terms with your sexuality should be. It was confusing and scary and hard to admit, but ultimately worth it.
The fact that Ro is a roller girl and wants to be on a roller derby team speaks to my soul as someone who is on a roller derby team. Skating has recently become a passion of mine so I love to see it represented. Druid City Derby represent.
And now.. Claudia. My sweet Claudia. She is everything that a young queer kid needs in a grandparent. I immediately fell in love with her and want a whole book series about her life.
When explaining the drag side of it, I loved getting to watch Derrick’s journey into discovery. I loved all the little drag nuances presented to us (his first creation being made with a glue gun, the attraction to shiny makeup) I felt like it was believable as a baby drag queen discovering herself. And the nod to RPDR which was such an instrumental tool in bringing drag into mainstream.
All in all I think this is an excellent book for young adults to read as an example of who they should surround themselves with when moving through life. Even if you aren’t queer or do drag, the support system that Derrick is surrounded by is what every struggling young person needs to help the adapt to a rapidly changing time in their life. Let it be an example that people like that exist out there and you deserve them in your life.
Thank you to Kyle Casey Chu for writing a story that spoke to my young, queer heart. It was phenomenal.
I found myself immediately enamored with this book within the first few chapters. The book tells the story of a young Chinese American boy as he discovers his love for drag and his identity in the community over a Summer of Yeses with his semi-estranged grandmother and a ragtag couple of friends who remind me so much of exactly who I needed in my life as a young, queer person.
I loved Derrick as a character and watching his journey of discovery. It felt true to the experience I went through when coming out and it is nice to feel seen and understood on a real level and not a “Hollywood portrayal” of what coming to terms with your sexuality should be. It was confusing and scary and hard to admit, but ultimately worth it.
The fact that Ro is a roller girl and wants to be on a roller derby team speaks to my soul as someone who is on a roller derby team. Skating has recently become a passion of mine so I love to see it represented. Druid City Derby represent.
And now.. Claudia. My sweet Claudia. She is everything that a young queer kid needs in a grandparent. I immediately fell in love with her and want a whole book series about her life.
When explaining the drag side of it, I loved getting to watch Derrick’s journey into discovery. I loved all the little drag nuances presented to us (his first creation being made with a glue gun, the attraction to shiny makeup) I felt like it was believable as a baby drag queen discovering herself. And the nod to RPDR which was such an instrumental tool in bringing drag into mainstream.
All in all I think this is an excellent book for young adults to read as an example of who they should surround themselves with when moving through life. Even if you aren’t queer or do drag, the support system that Derrick is surrounded by is what every struggling young person needs to help the adapt to a rapidly changing time in their life. Let it be an example that people like that exist out there and you deserve them in your life.
Thank you to Kyle Casey Chu for writing a story that spoke to my young, queer heart. It was phenomenal.
January 8, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Derrick Chan and his friend JJ have a fantastic basketball season, and their team wins the local championship for their Bayard, Georgia area. The two friends have an awesome summer planned, but Derrick’s father’s work throws a wrench into this. Instead of going to basketball camp and hanging out with JJ, he will be going to the country to stay with his grandmother, Claudia, whom he hasn’t seen since his mother passed away from breast cancer when he was six. His father is reluctant to spend any time with Claudia, and Derrick is curious as to why. Claudia is nothing like he expected a grandmother to be; she is in charge of the junior Queen Bee pageant, does alterations of gowns, and has young friends like Ro and Giles, whom she feeds guacamole and her fantastic Chinese cooking. Derrick feels oddly at home in the pageant scene, and even gets dragged into some of the dances when a contestant has an appointment. He also is enthralled with the clothing, and makes a design decision on Ro’s gown that even she “doesn’t hate”. Ro would rather be skateboarding or participating in roller derby than the pageant, but she doesn’t have a choice. Her best friend, Giles, is a photographer, and when Derrick finds out that Giles is gay, handles it badly, saying that he’s never met anyone who is gay before. Giles assures him that he HAS, and Derrick starts to examine his own feelings, especially for JJ. The two have a moment when JJ visits on his way to camp, further confusing Derrick. After some heart to heart conversations with Claudia, he decides to be his authentic self and participate in the junior Queen Bee competition, in drag, as Bee Daring. He finds out that the rift between his father and grandmother was caused by his interests in clothing, so when his father arrives early and is going to see the pageant, Derrick panics. What is the price for being your true self? Will his father, and JJ, ever understand?
This was an engaging middle school novel, written by one of the founders of Drag Queen story times, Panda Dulce. Readers who enjoy drag queen themed novels like Howard’s Middle School's a Drag, You Better Werk or Zaczek’s Martin McLean, Middle School Queen are the most obvious choices to recommend this to, but it will also do well with those who are looking for nuances representations of boys who are looking into first queer romances, like Lucas’ Thanks a Lot, Universe, Leali’s Civil War of Amos Abernathy or The Trouble with Triangles, or Penny’s Green Eyes and Ham.
Derrick Chan and his friend JJ have a fantastic basketball season, and their team wins the local championship for their Bayard, Georgia area. The two friends have an awesome summer planned, but Derrick’s father’s work throws a wrench into this. Instead of going to basketball camp and hanging out with JJ, he will be going to the country to stay with his grandmother, Claudia, whom he hasn’t seen since his mother passed away from breast cancer when he was six. His father is reluctant to spend any time with Claudia, and Derrick is curious as to why. Claudia is nothing like he expected a grandmother to be; she is in charge of the junior Queen Bee pageant, does alterations of gowns, and has young friends like Ro and Giles, whom she feeds guacamole and her fantastic Chinese cooking. Derrick feels oddly at home in the pageant scene, and even gets dragged into some of the dances when a contestant has an appointment. He also is enthralled with the clothing, and makes a design decision on Ro’s gown that even she “doesn’t hate”. Ro would rather be skateboarding or participating in roller derby than the pageant, but she doesn’t have a choice. Her best friend, Giles, is a photographer, and when Derrick finds out that Giles is gay, handles it badly, saying that he’s never met anyone who is gay before. Giles assures him that he HAS, and Derrick starts to examine his own feelings, especially for JJ. The two have a moment when JJ visits on his way to camp, further confusing Derrick. After some heart to heart conversations with Claudia, he decides to be his authentic self and participate in the junior Queen Bee competition, in drag, as Bee Daring. He finds out that the rift between his father and grandmother was caused by his interests in clothing, so when his father arrives early and is going to see the pageant, Derrick panics. What is the price for being your true self? Will his father, and JJ, ever understand?
This was an engaging middle school novel, written by one of the founders of Drag Queen story times, Panda Dulce. Readers who enjoy drag queen themed novels like Howard’s Middle School's a Drag, You Better Werk or Zaczek’s Martin McLean, Middle School Queen are the most obvious choices to recommend this to, but it will also do well with those who are looking for nuances representations of boys who are looking into first queer romances, like Lucas’ Thanks a Lot, Universe, Leali’s Civil War of Amos Abernathy or The Trouble with Triangles, or Penny’s Green Eyes and Ham.
March 22, 2025
I absolutely adored this middle grade novel about Derrick Chan, a Chinese American gender-nonconforming tween boy who loves basketball and tries to please his father but also secretly loves wearing nail polish and dressing in drag.
When Derrick goes to spend the summer with his grandmother Claudia in small town Georgia, he gets caught up in her beauty pageant work and even enters one himself as his drag persona, Bee Daring. This book is all about self-acceptance, queer joy, embracing your true self and living your truth.
It also doesn't shy away from tough topics like coming out to a parent, homophobia and anti-Asian racism but the overall message is so important!! Highly recommended for fans of books like Martin McLean, middle school queen or Middle school's a drag.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Fav quotes:
"I am proud to be who I am...And I am here today, because I was wrong about not belonging. I do. And the more I've learned about my family and my friends, the more I realize...people like me...we belong. And we always have."
"I've learned that despite what everyone says and thinks, what matters most is your own joy. ... I've learned that I would rather be myself even if some people don't like it, than be loved for pretending to be someone I'm not."
When Derrick goes to spend the summer with his grandmother Claudia in small town Georgia, he gets caught up in her beauty pageant work and even enters one himself as his drag persona, Bee Daring. This book is all about self-acceptance, queer joy, embracing your true self and living your truth.
It also doesn't shy away from tough topics like coming out to a parent, homophobia and anti-Asian racism but the overall message is so important!! Highly recommended for fans of books like Martin McLean, middle school queen or Middle school's a drag.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Fav quotes:
"I am proud to be who I am...And I am here today, because I was wrong about not belonging. I do. And the more I've learned about my family and my friends, the more I realize...people like me...we belong. And we always have."
"I've learned that despite what everyone says and thinks, what matters most is your own joy. ... I've learned that I would rather be myself even if some people don't like it, than be loved for pretending to be someone I'm not."
August 30, 2025
I loved this book for it's writing and for portraying a middle grade kid coming into himself as a drag queen. There are very few stories for this age group with this plot and I really felt for all the adults and Derrick. Add in the racism, parental alienation, figuring out you're queer and have feelings for your best friend, and a mystery surrounding yourself, grandma, dad and dead mom, and you have quite a unique book. I loved all the side characters, especially Claudia, as they felt fleshed out and authentic. Seeing Derrick change from a meek basketball boy with one friend to a confident drag queen speaking up for himself and other people who are deemed different was wonderful. A heartfelt debut middle grade novel by a drag queen who knows what it's like to invisible and found a way to be seen.
May 11, 2025
A true treasure of a book.
I was truly obsessed with Derek and his journey. From his feelings, to understanding his queerness, to coming into his own, and learning how to be a better friend…. This book has everything. It’s a truly lovely middle grade and the audiobook was fantastic. The ending had me tearing up on an airplane!
I was truly obsessed with Derek and his journey. From his feelings, to understanding his queerness, to coming into his own, and learning how to be a better friend…. This book has everything. It’s a truly lovely middle grade and the audiobook was fantastic. The ending had me tearing up on an airplane!
January 1, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. This is a great middle grade book, fast and easy read. This book tells the story of a young Chinese 7th grade American boy as he discovers his love for drag and his identity in the community over a summer of yeses. The author did an excellent work describing the stressful moments when everyone is trying to label what you are trying to figure out that very thing. Love the characters and their roles. The friendship was very well-written, the family dynamics believable and relatable and the ending felt well earned and deserved. This is an excellent book for young adults to read recommended to all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
Derrick Chan contains multitudes. He’s a star basketball player and he also secretly loves dresses and makeup. I loved how Derrick, when he’s sent to live with his grandmother, begins to lean in to his multiple identities and realizes it’s all him. And how he begins to understand his dad a bit better, given the generational racism against Chinese Americans, in a small town in Georgia. But mostly it’s his embrace of drag and the JOY it brings to him and how important that joy is to be his full self. This was a sweet coming out and coming of age story. I loved this so much.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
March 30, 2025
This was a heartwarming coming of age story. This story is so important especially in our current society.
I loved all the different forms of representation whether it be from the queer community or your heritage.
This book had plenty of humor and tender moments that kept a smile on my face the entire time. It was the perfect length and combined all my favorite things.
This would make a cute little movie!
I loved all the different forms of representation whether it be from the queer community or your heritage.
This book had plenty of humor and tender moments that kept a smile on my face the entire time. It was the perfect length and combined all my favorite things.
This would make a cute little movie!
June 14, 2025
I liked this book a lot. Perfect for young people who identify as LGBTQ+. This will resonate with that group of people but anyone can enjoy this YA novel. As much as this is about the ongoing fight for equality, this book is a reminder that some traditions of the past can be broken. You have a young person here discovering themselves and who they believe that they truly are. Awesome book! Another book that has a cool grandma in the story too!
July 21, 2025
SO GOOD!!! I enjoyed it the whole was through and was so hooked once the plot really started developing. What a beautiful story and I cannot wait for my students to read it!
January 16, 2025
Despite the fact that I am a Youth Librarian, I rarely go out of my way to read something classed as juvenile fiction but I have never been so glad that I was allowed to read this ARC by Kyle Casey Chu. It seems to be a rare occurrence that we get a book that supports queer children while still letting them be children but Chu did just that with "The Queen Bees of Tybee County". Gender expression is still a big sticking point for a lot of hateful conservative people, particularly when we talk about minors wanting to express themselves as anything other than the gender they were assigned at birth.
Chu doesn't shy away from this at all in his book, letting Derrick find himself through the world of pageantry. Anyone who has ever felt like they don't particularly fit with the gender they were born with will love the support that Derrick finds among his new friends & his Grandma. This book also explores how racism impacts multiple generations, and how that intersects with queerness. This book was worth every moment that I put into reading it, and I know that some kids will find this to be the push they need to accept themselves.
I can't wait to see what the future brings for Chu and any additional things he might write.
Chu doesn't shy away from this at all in his book, letting Derrick find himself through the world of pageantry. Anyone who has ever felt like they don't particularly fit with the gender they were born with will love the support that Derrick finds among his new friends & his Grandma. This book also explores how racism impacts multiple generations, and how that intersects with queerness. This book was worth every moment that I put into reading it, and I know that some kids will find this to be the push they need to accept themselves.
I can't wait to see what the future brings for Chu and any additional things he might write.
October 8, 2025
Derrick’s dad dreams of his son becoming a basketball star, and Derrick works hard to be the best he can be at basketball, even winning the state championship for his middle school with a shot at the final buzzer. However, he also wears toenail polish and enjoys lip-syncing in front of his bathroom mirror. Throw in being Asian, having a widowed single dad, and the everyday challenges of friendships in middle school, and Derrick has a lot to deal with.
When there is not enough money for Derrick to attend basketball summer camp and his dad gets an out-of-town job, Derrick must stay in his dad’s small hometown of Tybee, Georgia, with his paternal grandmother, Claudia, whom he barely knows. And Claudia is anything but the stereotypical grandmother. She wears bright clothes, sports gray permed hair, and wears a full face of colorful makeup. And as the reader soon learns, she possesses a spark of something many would say is magic.
Derrick’s summer becomes a journey of self-discovery. He learns about the challenges and discrimination Claudia and his father faced as the only Asian family in a small town in Georgia. Through their experiences, he begins to understand and accept himself as Asian. He tries to reconcile the rising star athlete part of himself with the other part that loves glittery dresses and performing to music, as he questions long-time friendships back home. But he meets new friends who, like himself, have also been grappling with their own identities. However, they have learned to accept and embrace themselves, and they provide him with a window into and a roadmap for understanding the seemingly conflicting aspects of his personality. This eventually leads to discovering the part of him that wants to be a drag queen.
Will Derrick find the courage to share this discovery about himself with the world? This choice quickly arises when Derrick is given the opportunity to share this newly discovered side of himself with the public. When a slot opens up in the Tybee County Beauty Pageant, which Claudia helps to organize, will he allow himself to be free and bravely be true to himself?
This story is genuine and written from the heart. The author has created a cast of characters that the reader will come to love. And she effectively captures the emotions of all the characters and reflects their growth throughout the story. This is quite a feat, considering she is a debut author and the characters range in age, gender, ethnicity, interests, and background.
The author clearly knows her subject matter and conveys it to the reader in a compelling way. This is a powerful and necessary story for today, giving a voice to a very marginalized and maligned group of people. It serves as a lifeline for tweens/teens grappling with and accepting who they are as individuals. This story is a loving ode to drag queens, who are among the most warmhearted, generous, and caring people in the world. They are tremendously talented and dedicated to their craft, with a passionate desire to entertain and spread joy in the world.
A brilliant debut novel! I look forward to seeing more from this author in the near future!
When there is not enough money for Derrick to attend basketball summer camp and his dad gets an out-of-town job, Derrick must stay in his dad’s small hometown of Tybee, Georgia, with his paternal grandmother, Claudia, whom he barely knows. And Claudia is anything but the stereotypical grandmother. She wears bright clothes, sports gray permed hair, and wears a full face of colorful makeup. And as the reader soon learns, she possesses a spark of something many would say is magic.
Derrick’s summer becomes a journey of self-discovery. He learns about the challenges and discrimination Claudia and his father faced as the only Asian family in a small town in Georgia. Through their experiences, he begins to understand and accept himself as Asian. He tries to reconcile the rising star athlete part of himself with the other part that loves glittery dresses and performing to music, as he questions long-time friendships back home. But he meets new friends who, like himself, have also been grappling with their own identities. However, they have learned to accept and embrace themselves, and they provide him with a window into and a roadmap for understanding the seemingly conflicting aspects of his personality. This eventually leads to discovering the part of him that wants to be a drag queen.
Will Derrick find the courage to share this discovery about himself with the world? This choice quickly arises when Derrick is given the opportunity to share this newly discovered side of himself with the public. When a slot opens up in the Tybee County Beauty Pageant, which Claudia helps to organize, will he allow himself to be free and bravely be true to himself?
This story is genuine and written from the heart. The author has created a cast of characters that the reader will come to love. And she effectively captures the emotions of all the characters and reflects their growth throughout the story. This is quite a feat, considering she is a debut author and the characters range in age, gender, ethnicity, interests, and background.
The author clearly knows her subject matter and conveys it to the reader in a compelling way. This is a powerful and necessary story for today, giving a voice to a very marginalized and maligned group of people. It serves as a lifeline for tweens/teens grappling with and accepting who they are as individuals. This story is a loving ode to drag queens, who are among the most warmhearted, generous, and caring people in the world. They are tremendously talented and dedicated to their craft, with a passionate desire to entertain and spread joy in the world.
A brilliant debut novel! I look forward to seeing more from this author in the near future!
August 26, 2024
This book is going to do for young drag queens what Melissa did for young trans kids~ what a beautiful, sweet story!
Derrick Chan - a 7th grader- loves basketball and is a very loyal and fun friend. In the first few pages, he wins the middle school basketball championship with the winning shot. But he has a secret, that he loves sparkly blue nail polish and dresses. Before spending the summer with his grandma and meeting another young queer kid, he doesn't know what drag is, and feels a beautiful freedom seeing drag performers and drag competition clips on YouTube. What a great feeling- to learn that you aren't alone, that there are other people who love the kinds of things you do! Derrick is just figuring things out, like all 7th grade kids.
I don't often rate and review children's books, and I am a straight, white 47 year old female, not necessarily the target audience for this middle grade (3-7) book. But I think it is really wonderful, I cried at the end. And what middle school kid- no matter where they live and who they are-- doesn't feel fear at not being the person their parents want them to be? This book will be universally loved, but is amazing for gay kids, especially one who is a Chinese-American. I loved that it had a happy ending without it being overly PollyAnna-ish, the book fully recognizes that not everyone will accept Derrick. I also loved that Derrick had a good relationship other kids and their journeys were different. Lots of people-kids and adults alike- need to know that being LGBTQ is not "one size fits all"- that not all gay men perform drag, but some love it, some love sports, some love cooking, or anything! Gay people like lots of different things, and that is ok. Just being gay doesn't have to put you inside of a box, it's all a part of you.
Thank you to @netgalley and @harpercollins #quillbooks for the ARC. After I read this, I immediately pre-ordered 3 copies. This is going to be an instant-classic!
Derrick Chan - a 7th grader- loves basketball and is a very loyal and fun friend. In the first few pages, he wins the middle school basketball championship with the winning shot. But he has a secret, that he loves sparkly blue nail polish and dresses. Before spending the summer with his grandma and meeting another young queer kid, he doesn't know what drag is, and feels a beautiful freedom seeing drag performers and drag competition clips on YouTube. What a great feeling- to learn that you aren't alone, that there are other people who love the kinds of things you do! Derrick is just figuring things out, like all 7th grade kids.
I don't often rate and review children's books, and I am a straight, white 47 year old female, not necessarily the target audience for this middle grade (3-7) book. But I think it is really wonderful, I cried at the end. And what middle school kid- no matter where they live and who they are-- doesn't feel fear at not being the person their parents want them to be? This book will be universally loved, but is amazing for gay kids, especially one who is a Chinese-American. I loved that it had a happy ending without it being overly PollyAnna-ish, the book fully recognizes that not everyone will accept Derrick. I also loved that Derrick had a good relationship other kids and their journeys were different. Lots of people-kids and adults alike- need to know that being LGBTQ is not "one size fits all"- that not all gay men perform drag, but some love it, some love sports, some love cooking, or anything! Gay people like lots of different things, and that is ok. Just being gay doesn't have to put you inside of a box, it's all a part of you.
Thank you to @netgalley and @harpercollins #quillbooks for the ARC. After I read this, I immediately pre-ordered 3 copies. This is going to be an instant-classic!
April 15, 2025
Kyle Casey Chu, also known as Panda Dulce is a founding queen of Drag Story Hour. The Queen Bees of Tybee County is her debut coming-of-age story inspired by her personal experiences growing up as a queer fourth-generation Chinese American drag artist. This is a joy filled book about finding one's identity, self-love, acceptance, overcoming fear and being brave. Side plots include characters who experience racism and hazing, to include Derrick being nicknamed "twinkle toes." The relationships Derrick shares with the other characters are complicated yet realistically portrayed. Realistic in that not everyone will accept Derrick, but with strong familial supports and friends that accept you no matter what, Derrick has the potential to blaze his own trail. Derrick's friends, Ro and Giles are incredibly supportive, loving, and encouraging, just absolutely wonderful. Everyone would be blessed to have friends like them.
Oh, and Derrick, loved his passion for clothing, makeup, fabric, and designing clothing. I think I'm a little more like Ro, I don't hate dresses but have never felt the level of comfort or fierceness that Derrick did on stage, well except maybe a little in my wedding dress with someone else doing my makeup and hair. I loved how Derrick's memories of his mom lingered on in her magazines, nail polish and the smell of ginger from her cooking. (Cigar smoke always makes me think of my grandfather.) Derrick is thoughtful, nuanced, and trying to figure things out about themselves. He illustrates how there are many sides to a person and that we don't have to settle with just one. Derrick is more than just a basketball player, and he can embrace both sports and drag. Finding one's happiness in the things that give us joy. A sequel/companion novel is currently planned, which I can't wait to read. Read this if you've enjoyed Better Nate than Ever, Dumplin' or are interested in stories about pageants, drag, or just need a joyous story about being bold and fierce.
**A huge thank you to Books Forward for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Oh, and Derrick, loved his passion for clothing, makeup, fabric, and designing clothing. I think I'm a little more like Ro, I don't hate dresses but have never felt the level of comfort or fierceness that Derrick did on stage, well except maybe a little in my wedding dress with someone else doing my makeup and hair. I loved how Derrick's memories of his mom lingered on in her magazines, nail polish and the smell of ginger from her cooking. (Cigar smoke always makes me think of my grandfather.) Derrick is thoughtful, nuanced, and trying to figure things out about themselves. He illustrates how there are many sides to a person and that we don't have to settle with just one. Derrick is more than just a basketball player, and he can embrace both sports and drag. Finding one's happiness in the things that give us joy. A sequel/companion novel is currently planned, which I can't wait to read. Read this if you've enjoyed Better Nate than Ever, Dumplin' or are interested in stories about pageants, drag, or just need a joyous story about being bold and fierce.
**A huge thank you to Books Forward for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review**
April 10, 2025
A sweet coming of age story about a Chinese American 7th grade basketball player who is forced to spend the summer with his grandmother in rural Tybee County, Georgia, instead of attending basketball camp. Over the course of the summer, dubbed the Summer of Yes, Derrick Chan comes out as queer and as a drag queen in the supportive environment provided by his grandmother, Claudia, and his new-found friends, Ro, and the openly gay, Giles. In the course of the summer, Derrick uncovers secrets about his family and gains a sense of self by daring to participate in the Tybee Queen Bees pageant. He ends up much wiser and more confident because of his experiences over the summer and the risks he has taken by participating in the pageant in drag.
The book is written for middle-grade readers and provides wonderful support and encouragement for any young people who are going through the difficult process of coming out in a society still much too filled with hatred. The ending is unabashedly upbeat and Derrick ends up closer to his father and is able to reconcile his life in his hometown with his life in Tybee County.
The book gets points for discussing the plight of being the only Asian American family in a small town in the South--not only is there homophobia but also racism that stunts the growth of Claudia and Derrick's father, Carson.
In support of its positive message for queer teens, the book does wrap things up neatly and the ending is predictable. Derrick's age is not specifically referenced but he is just finishing seventh grade. I would have found the plot more believable if Derrick had ben a couple of years older. The book is decently written will serve well its target demographic (of which I freely admit that I am not a member).
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The book is written for middle-grade readers and provides wonderful support and encouragement for any young people who are going through the difficult process of coming out in a society still much too filled with hatred. The ending is unabashedly upbeat and Derrick ends up closer to his father and is able to reconcile his life in his hometown with his life in Tybee County.
The book gets points for discussing the plight of being the only Asian American family in a small town in the South--not only is there homophobia but also racism that stunts the growth of Claudia and Derrick's father, Carson.
In support of its positive message for queer teens, the book does wrap things up neatly and the ending is predictable. Derrick's age is not specifically referenced but he is just finishing seventh grade. I would have found the plot more believable if Derrick had ben a couple of years older. The book is decently written will serve well its target demographic (of which I freely admit that I am not a member).
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
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August 2, 2025
Derrick Chan is just coming off the high of the game winning shot in the Georgia Basketball State Championships. For Derrick, basketball is everything and what he is most looking forward to is a sleepaway basketball camp with his best friend. When work slows for his dad locally and he has to take a multi-week job out of the area, Derrick is told that sleepaway camp is actually pivoting to a summer with his estranged grandma. What starts with a lot of grumping leads to a summer of connecting with Derrick’s roots, learning more about his dad’s childhood, and connecting with himself.
Within this book Derrick makes a lot of missteps. He makes new friends, but shuns them when his best friend comes for a visit because he’s scared of what they may say. He gets really invested in the summer pageant, but also gets angry at himself because it’s not basketball. But within the pages of the book, there is a lot of room for growth and I think that is one of the most important aspects in the middle grade genre. Kids aren’t perfect and the books they read shouldn’t be filled with perfect one-dimensional characters who never make mistakes and have to apologize.
I loved the journey Derrick took throughout the book. I enjoyed getting a deeper dive into Chinese culture and how that mixed with southern culture; the influence that brought to both Derrick’s dad and his grandma, Claudia. I thought the friendships were very authentic and the lessons learned along the way important and relevant. Overall it was just a great book.
Thank you Harper Kids for the gifted copy.
Within this book Derrick makes a lot of missteps. He makes new friends, but shuns them when his best friend comes for a visit because he’s scared of what they may say. He gets really invested in the summer pageant, but also gets angry at himself because it’s not basketball. But within the pages of the book, there is a lot of room for growth and I think that is one of the most important aspects in the middle grade genre. Kids aren’t perfect and the books they read shouldn’t be filled with perfect one-dimensional characters who never make mistakes and have to apologize.
I loved the journey Derrick took throughout the book. I enjoyed getting a deeper dive into Chinese culture and how that mixed with southern culture; the influence that brought to both Derrick’s dad and his grandma, Claudia. I thought the friendships were very authentic and the lessons learned along the way important and relevant. Overall it was just a great book.
Thank you Harper Kids for the gifted copy.
April 28, 2025
What a wonderful and sweet story! It is a coming-of-age story about a twelve-year-old Chinese American boy who spent his summer with his estranged grandma, Claudia. Dad had to work in another state, and Derrick was sent to live with his grandmother. During this time he discovered along the way that he always loved dressing up in dresses, wearing nail polish, and singing. He realized he was queer and loved drag. With the help of his new friends and his grandmother, he was able to shine. I loved many things aspects of this book, especially his new friends and Claudia, who loved him unconditionally and provided him the space to grow into his new identity. I loved their own vulnerability and loyalty to Derrick. I loved how he was able to be open to his best friend JJ. Additionally, I liked the fact Derrick loved to play basketball and dress in drag. I loved his mantra, "My Summer of Yes," which demonstrated how much he learned about himself. I loved that he had a new relationship with his grandmother that was safe and loving. I loved how he learned to love his Chinese heritage. And finally, he was brave enough to compete in drag in a beauty pageant. Brave to show his dad that he was queer, safe and loved. Overall, this was a beautiful, heartwarming, and sweet story about a boy on a journey to find himself. Damn, I loved this book. I highly recommend it!! Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
The story of self-discovery and roots-- Derrick is spending the summer with his grandmother who is somewhat estranged from his father-- and over the course of the book the estrangement comes out as Derrick realizes why he stopped visiting his grandmother all those years ago and it has to do with Derrick's sexuality, specifically his interest in wearing girls clothes which comes out quickly spending time with her when he sees the dresses she's helping with for the town's beauty pageant. Derrick is moving from basketball to his interest in drag and new interest in roller derby after meeting a new friend as well which then kickstarts the idea to enter the pageant.
The Asian representation appears for both Derrick but also the background of Derrick's father in theater when he was told that he wouldn't make a good lead because he was Asian. This and including roller derby make it a fun read.
Even with those pieces, I did feel like the plot was stereotypical. The accepting, eccentric grandmother, the emerging secrets that really weren't secrets, the fight against power by entering the pageant, etc. A little ho-hum but Derrick is a well-rounded character that keeps a reader reading.
The Asian representation appears for both Derrick but also the background of Derrick's father in theater when he was told that he wouldn't make a good lead because he was Asian. This and including roller derby make it a fun read.
Even with those pieces, I did feel like the plot was stereotypical. The accepting, eccentric grandmother, the emerging secrets that really weren't secrets, the fight against power by entering the pageant, etc. A little ho-hum but Derrick is a well-rounded character that keeps a reader reading.
November 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | Quill Tree Books/Kyle Casey Chu for an ARC of this title.
This is a really enjoyable middle-grade read about a young person coming to terms with themself in a small town, southern setting. It was a quick read with highly likeable characters that introduced ideas of racial identity, gender identity, and sexuality in a really accessible way. As a cis person without a particular personal attraction to drag, it was a really interesting way to be introduced to what may lead a young person towards drag and the feelings/confidence that drag can give such a young person. The friendships were very well-written, the family dynamics believable and relatable, and the ending felt well-earned and deserved. The conflicts felt age appropriate, which is important for this type of novel.
While this is not a regular read for me, I'm glad to have experienced and, as the parent of a middle-grade kid, I think I have some sense of what may appeal to that age range. All in all, definitely a recommended read from an author who has a career ahead of them lifting people up.
This is a really enjoyable middle-grade read about a young person coming to terms with themself in a small town, southern setting. It was a quick read with highly likeable characters that introduced ideas of racial identity, gender identity, and sexuality in a really accessible way. As a cis person without a particular personal attraction to drag, it was a really interesting way to be introduced to what may lead a young person towards drag and the feelings/confidence that drag can give such a young person. The friendships were very well-written, the family dynamics believable and relatable, and the ending felt well-earned and deserved. The conflicts felt age appropriate, which is important for this type of novel.
While this is not a regular read for me, I'm glad to have experienced and, as the parent of a middle-grade kid, I think I have some sense of what may appeal to that age range. All in all, definitely a recommended read from an author who has a career ahead of them lifting people up.
April 29, 2025
Thank you to the published for the gifted copy of this book!
📖 Book Review 📖 I hail from the generation that was introduced to the world of drag through the movie To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. While it has been decades since I have watched that movie, I think we could all use a good old dose of Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo road tripping in drag to bring some good vibes to our world.
Alas, the baton has been passed and in The Queen Bees of Tybee County, it’s held by Derrick, a basketball star with painted toes who discovers the world of pageantry over summer vacation. A summer with his Chinese grandmother out in the country was the last way Derrick expected to spend the summer after seventh grade but sometimes it’s in those moments that we are able to truly find our authentic self. Kyle Casey Chu, also known fabulously as Panda Dulce, comes in hot with a beautifully heartfelt coming of age novel. This geriatric millennial loved every minute of this book and will be unapologetically singing Lady Gaga “Born This Way” to her four middle school children (it’s fine, they already think I’m lame) as I share this gem of a book with them. 💕
📖 Book Review 📖 I hail from the generation that was introduced to the world of drag through the movie To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. While it has been decades since I have watched that movie, I think we could all use a good old dose of Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo road tripping in drag to bring some good vibes to our world.
Alas, the baton has been passed and in The Queen Bees of Tybee County, it’s held by Derrick, a basketball star with painted toes who discovers the world of pageantry over summer vacation. A summer with his Chinese grandmother out in the country was the last way Derrick expected to spend the summer after seventh grade but sometimes it’s in those moments that we are able to truly find our authentic self. Kyle Casey Chu, also known fabulously as Panda Dulce, comes in hot with a beautifully heartfelt coming of age novel. This geriatric millennial loved every minute of this book and will be unapologetically singing Lady Gaga “Born This Way” to her four middle school children (it’s fine, they already think I’m lame) as I share this gem of a book with them. 💕
Read
September 20, 2025This was a book that I read because I am a library trustee. Another book that someone labeled inappropriate. It is a story of a middle school boy who visits his grandma over the summer. He is a basketball star back home. During the summer, he makes new friends and becomes involved in the town's Queen Bee event. He learns a lot about himself and his family including his grandmother and father who were discriminated against due to their Chinese heritage.
Even before the summer with his Grandma, this young man was trying to understand his feelings and self-identity. By living with his Grandma, who owned a fabric store, he also learns that he loves fashion, fabrics and dance. I found the last 20 pages quite inspirational as he finds a way to acknowledge and feel confident in his entire self -the basketball player and the beauty pageant participant. I didn't see any inappropriate language or sexual content, just a kid who is beginning to see that he is queer.
This book was written by a Drag Queen which I think is why it was brought to my attention.
I didn't rate it. It is written for tweens or teens.
Even before the summer with his Grandma, this young man was trying to understand his feelings and self-identity. By living with his Grandma, who owned a fabric store, he also learns that he loves fashion, fabrics and dance. I found the last 20 pages quite inspirational as he finds a way to acknowledge and feel confident in his entire self -the basketball player and the beauty pageant participant. I didn't see any inappropriate language or sexual content, just a kid who is beginning to see that he is queer.
This book was written by a Drag Queen which I think is why it was brought to my attention.
I didn't rate it. It is written for tweens or teens.
October 12, 2025
Derrick Chu struggles to understand his true self. He is a point guard for a championship basketball team and is looking forward to basketball camp, but his dad informs him that he will be staying with his grandmother, Claudia, for the summer while his dad makes money taking on a high-paying job that will help his struggling construction business. Derrick knows Claudia, but hasn't seen her for a while, and doesn't know why. His curiosity about the rift leads him to discover more about his family than he ever knew and revives his interest in clothes and makeup, a part of himself he has carefully hidden from his dad. Derrick makes some new friends, one of whom is queer and introduces Derrick to a new explanation for why Derrick may have the longings he has. When Claudia aids Derrick in entering the county beauty pageant as a surprise contestant, his two selves and two lives are placed on a collision course. Derrick's feelings are described authentically as are his developing friendships. racism, hope, and family dynamics. I just wish the author had not thought all of Derrick's problems had to be solved in a single book.
November 3, 2025
Derrick Chan has stay with his grandmother while his dad (Dad is very invested in his future) handles a big construction project out of town, because they can't afford b-ball camp. Derrick will be leaving his BFF, JJ. But did JJ see the blue toenail polish he's wearing in honor of his late mom (is that the only reaon?) And why hasn't D seen his grandmother is such along time?
When he gets to Heritage, Grandmother Claudia is very involved in the local pageant. In supporting his new friend, Ro, D realizes he enjoys the choreography, and then notices the dresses, glitter, makeup.
Does a great job of sharing the confusion, fear, joy and power that Derrick feels as he discovers himself. Irresistable.
Weaves lots of themes together--generations of racism (Grandmother Claudia only Chinese American in Heritage, joins pageant to be *seen*; father aspired to be an actor, did lots of plays, but overheard "No one wants a Chinese Romeo" and laughter.) Father sensed D was queer, wanted to protect him from discrimination. Angry at his wife and mother for supporting/encouraging his dressup play, hence the break.
When he gets to Heritage, Grandmother Claudia is very involved in the local pageant. In supporting his new friend, Ro, D realizes he enjoys the choreography, and then notices the dresses, glitter, makeup.
Does a great job of sharing the confusion, fear, joy and power that Derrick feels as he discovers himself. Irresistable.
Weaves lots of themes together--generations of racism (Grandmother Claudia only Chinese American in Heritage, joins pageant to be *seen*; father aspired to be an actor, did lots of plays, but overheard "No one wants a Chinese Romeo" and laughter.) Father sensed D was queer, wanted to protect him from discrimination. Angry at his wife and mother for supporting/encouraging his dressup play, hence the break.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
Middle schooler Derrick has always been into basketball–that has shaped his identity so far. But Derrick also secretly likes to paint his toenails, try on makeup, and lip sync in the bathroom. When he is forced to spend the summer with his grandma in a new town, he learns that as a kid, he used to love to put on dresses and various costumes his grandmother had made. All of these revelations hit him when he sees a drag queen perform online, and he realizes that this is what he was made to do.
This was a well written book for the most part. I did not agree with the characterization of Faye–I felt that the resolutions around her were too easy and not that realistic. The ending in general was positive and everything turned out the way you hope it would in real life, but we all know that’s not how real life works. Additionally, I think this plotline would have been better if the characters had been in high school. I’m sure there are a few 7th grade boys out there somewhere who want to do drag, but generally the 7th graders I’m around in school aren’t quite there yet.
This was a well written book for the most part. I did not agree with the characterization of Faye–I felt that the resolutions around her were too easy and not that realistic. The ending in general was positive and everything turned out the way you hope it would in real life, but we all know that’s not how real life works. Additionally, I think this plotline would have been better if the characters had been in high school. I’m sure there are a few 7th grade boys out there somewhere who want to do drag, but generally the 7th graders I’m around in school aren’t quite there yet.
July 10, 2025
Derrick Chan is a lot of things, a friend, a son, a basketball player, a Chinese American, and an honors student. Since losing his mother to cancer at age six, it has just been Derrick and his dad against the world. Now he's off to spend the summer with a relative he usually only sees for brief holiday visits. Instead of basketball camp, he's in a small-town with his larger-than-life grandmother. As the novel unfolds Derrick uncovers hidden moments in his family history as well as things about himself he had never been able to articulate before. Caught up with new friends and roped into helping with the local beauty pageant, Derrick discovers a part of himself he'd forgotten, how much he loves to dress up. Chu's characters are authentic and readers who have ever felt afraid to let a part of themselves shine will be cheering for Derrick. The concept of drag is explained in a way that's accessible to young readers. This novel is a celebration of diversity that doesn't sugar coat the challenges of being seen as different.
Recommended for readers in grades 5-8
Recommended for readers in grades 5-8
January 13, 2026
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Rising 8th grader Derrick Chan is disappointed when he can’t go to basketball camp like he was supposed to - he is a middle school basketball superstar and he wants to keep his skills sharp. Instead, his dad is sending to his grandmother’s (Dad’s mom) for the summer - the grandmother he hardly ever sees, especially ever since his mom died of cancer. As Derrick helps his grandmother with the local beauty pageant, he finds a side of himself that he had buried - the side of him that loves shiny fabric, fabulous makeup, and swishy skirts. He makes a plan with his new friend Ro, to trade places with her in the pageant - but how will his at-home best friend AND his own father react if they see him?
Chu tackles racism, family problems, homophobia, friendship drama, and acknowledging your own sexuality. It may seem like a lot, but she does it so well. And she does it in a way that the only way could be offended is if you deny that drag queens and LGBT people exist.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Rising 8th grader Derrick Chan is disappointed when he can’t go to basketball camp like he was supposed to - he is a middle school basketball superstar and he wants to keep his skills sharp. Instead, his dad is sending to his grandmother’s (Dad’s mom) for the summer - the grandmother he hardly ever sees, especially ever since his mom died of cancer. As Derrick helps his grandmother with the local beauty pageant, he finds a side of himself that he had buried - the side of him that loves shiny fabric, fabulous makeup, and swishy skirts. He makes a plan with his new friend Ro, to trade places with her in the pageant - but how will his at-home best friend AND his own father react if they see him?
Chu tackles racism, family problems, homophobia, friendship drama, and acknowledging your own sexuality. It may seem like a lot, but she does it so well. And she does it in a way that the only way could be offended is if you deny that drag queens and LGBT people exist.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
March 31, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
I was very excited to read this book, and I was not disappointed! As someone who has read many queer middle grade novels, I am sure this is going to be a book that is going to be constantly recommended. I think this book will be great for someone who is middle grade age who may not be aware of the queer community, but at times I do wish there were more descriptions about drag queens and their important history and contributions to the queer community. This is very much just a personal preference, but I think a younger audience could benefit from having more insight into queer history. Overall I think this book was amazing, I think middle grade aged kids will love it, as a older teen I do with there was more depth to characters, but really, I just loved the story so much that I wanted it to get to know all the characters even more.
I was very excited to read this book, and I was not disappointed! As someone who has read many queer middle grade novels, I am sure this is going to be a book that is going to be constantly recommended. I think this book will be great for someone who is middle grade age who may not be aware of the queer community, but at times I do wish there were more descriptions about drag queens and their important history and contributions to the queer community. This is very much just a personal preference, but I think a younger audience could benefit from having more insight into queer history. Overall I think this book was amazing, I think middle grade aged kids will love it, as a older teen I do with there was more depth to characters, but really, I just loved the story so much that I wanted it to get to know all the characters even more.
May 12, 2025
Ever since Derrick’s mother died, he has only seen his grandmother once a year, and he doesn’t know why. He is the only Chinese-American at his southern school, and the town his grandmother lives in, it is the same. He loves playing basketball, but he also loves putting on nail polish, and tying his hair up after a shower, and singing.
When his father has to take an away job, he is sent to live with his grandmother, and discovers a past he didn’t know about, which helps explain his love of dressing up, beyond just the nail polish.
And then he discovers the beauty pageant that his grandmother is organizing, and helps out with the dancing.
Sweet story of a boy coming into his own, after having the part he used to be hidden from him, by his father. Very realistic, sensitive, and heartwarming.
This book is now out, though I read it as an eARC. It deserves all the stars.
When his father has to take an away job, he is sent to live with his grandmother, and discovers a past he didn’t know about, which helps explain his love of dressing up, beyond just the nail polish.
And then he discovers the beauty pageant that his grandmother is organizing, and helps out with the dancing.
Sweet story of a boy coming into his own, after having the part he used to be hidden from him, by his father. Very realistic, sensitive, and heartwarming.
This book is now out, though I read it as an eARC. It deserves all the stars.
January 29, 2025
Thank you HarperCollins and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Derrick Chan plays basketball but he also like to wear nail polish on his toes. Though he keeps that secret from everyone including his dad. When he gets sent to his estranged grandma for the summer he’ll get introduced to the world of beauty pageants. He’s fascinated with the dresses, the fabrics and sequins. He also meets Ro who is a pageant girl and Giles who identifies as queer. The two help Derrick navigate the world of pageants and help him figure out his feelings for his friend JJ. Can pageants help him figure out who he is? How will his dad and JJ react? A sweet middle grade debut with a lot of heart, self-discovery, and charm! Highly recommend this beautiful told story!
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