Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All

by Chanel Miller

Magnolia Wu is a ten-year-old sock detective bent on returning all the lonely only socks left behind in her parents' NYC laundromat.

Down at the bottom of the tall buildings of New York City, Magnolia Wu sits inside her parents’ laundromat. Magnolia has pinned every lost sock from the laundromat onto a bulletin board, in hopes that customers will return to retrieve them. But no one seems to have noticed. In fact, barely anyone has noticed Magnolia at all.

What she doesn’t know is that this is about to be her most exciting summer yet. When Iris, a new friend from California arrives, they set off across the city to solve the mystery of each missing sock, asking questions in subways and delis and plant stores and pizzerias, meeting people and uncovering the unimaginable.

With each new encounter, Magnolia learns that when you’re bold enough to head into the unknown, things start falling into place.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Mystery, Childrens, Friendship, Audiobook

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 2024

About the author

Chanel Miller is a writer and artist who received her BA in Literature from the College of Creative Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She lives in San Francisco, California.

(source: Amazon)

Reviews

[emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

honestly i'll read anything chanel miller writes, children's books included.

i don't know if i had middle grade books as good as this one when i was middle grade (whatever that is), but i do know that i'm glad that today's middlest grades and all the middles of the future do.

this was sweet and fun, cute and whimsical and inspirational with a little lesson that felt nice and true and not cheesy. and also really great drawings. i enjoyed just about every second of it.

bottom line: what can't chanel miller do.

(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of my Newbery reading project and it did not disappoint. It's clear that Chanel Miller has a way with words and I'm interested in seeing the ways in which she'll break out into the children's literature. Thematically, Magnolia Wu Unfold It All explores a variety of topics including friendship, familial relationships, racism/discrimination and community against the backdrop of a family laundromat. Miller's illustrations add a certain quirkiness to the story that helps move the story along. If you're interested in hearing more thoughts about this one and it's connection to the Newbery check out my reading vlog: https://youtu.be/3GO5U8MopY0

[Daisy Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chanel Miller is my hero <3

What a wholesome story about two young girls finding community and making space for themselves :,) I wish I had a book like this when I was younger

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. Better review to come.

[Evalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had not been reading the ARC of this book in the break area at the book store, I may have ugly cried, multiple times. It was creative, beautiful, and surprising in its depth. The illustrations added so much joy to the read for me, too. I deeply related to Iris and the secret of Aspen while wishing to embody more of the bright boldness of Magnolia, especially in this moment in my life. Thank you so much for writing this, Chanel Miller.

Above all, this book is a reminder to be kind. Having a good friend, and supportive community, really changes everything. I am already dreaming of it being made into a copy with illustrations in color, or even a short film, to give to my own children someday.

[Janssen]

A fun quick read

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magnolia lives in New York City with her parents, who run a laundry mat. She doesn't really have any friends, aside from their dog, Mr Pants... until Iris arrives with her mother from California. Iris is nervous about navigating New York on her own, but helps Magnolia dream up a plan to solve an ongoing mystery and explore the city at the same time. This is a very gentle story for young readers, but I was charmed by its whimsy and the black and white illustrations and cover at drawn by the author herself. I am very ready to read everything Chanel Miller ever publishes!

[Courtney Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute and the sock detective thing was an interesting vehicle for the story. Handled complex issues well and seemed on point for a middle grade book. Magnolia was precious and her new friendship with Iris was endearing. Would recommend and can’t wait to read this authors first book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a kid, this is absolutely the kind of book, that I would have treasured and reread. It’s a quirky NYC mystery highlighting cultural traditions and social issues. Friends, family and community members are so full of personality, both in Miller’s writing and in her b&w comic illustrations, that they must be based on people she’s known. The writing has both humour and emotional depth.

“Magnolia had never had a best friend and didn’t know the responsibilities of her new position. How did best friends make up? Did they shake hands or high five? Did fighting mean the end of things? Did people recover from these kinds of wounds?”

“ She knew that just below the surface of a person, there were endless unexpected layers and stories, pain and longings and dreams, and how grateful she was to have glimpsed them.”

“….that there’s something interesting about everyone … even cousin Alan. “ I don’t know how you’ll get to that moment from this moment, but I know you’ll get there, and we’ll be rooting you on.”

Chanel, congratulations on your middle grade debut. I am rooting you on!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cute book with a great vehicle for introducing characters with various foibles and for addressing race issues that reared their ugly head during COVID for Asian Americans. I think this will have great appeal for both adults and children and Magnolia herself is incredibly likable and has so many traits that kids could identify with. It's also quite funny and you'll never look at your socks quite the same again. Simply put, I loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I hope it has great success!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I know where we can find Carl, but I'm not sure he's the right answer," said Magnolia.
"We don't need the right answer," said Iris. "We just have to begin."

Adorable. I mean, I am going to read everything Chanel Miller writes anyway, but this was very cute. What do our socks tell others about us?

[Anna]

Tell me why I was surreptitiously swiping away tears on a plane reading about some sock detectives?? This was so wholehearted, humorous, and adventuresome! I loved the little illustrations and seeing Magnolia’s world unfold :))

“Most importantly, for the first time in a long time she had a friend, someone who believed in her before she did, which is a powerful thing.”

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute middle grade graphic novel debut by the author of Know my name. The story features a young Asian American girl living in New York City and her family laundry who takes it upon herself to track down the owners of all the missing socks left behind. Fun and filled with adventure while also addressing anti-Asian racism in a relatable way for young readers. This was also good on audio and I look forward to getting a chance to look through the book itself.

[lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Net Galley for the digital ARC!

Chanel Miller is an incredible writer, illustrator, and human. I was predisposed to like this book because I've liked everything of hers I've read, from long form essays, to her autobiography, to the short, perfect comics she shares on Instagram. 

This tender and special book follows two nine year old girls having adventures in New York City as they sleuth about to connect missing socks with their owners. It covers a Russian novel's worth of big topics--friendship, family, bullying, homesickness, racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric-- and does them all justice with Miller's thoughtful prose. 

She has a real talent for highlighting tiny yet significant moments between people and an observant eye for the beauty in the mundane. This is a very dear little book and would be a nice gift for anyone (nine and up feels right).

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I was gonna get a silly sock detective story, but this was much more than that. Each sock helped them understand themselves and the people around them. The book really showcased how beautiful friendship and being a part of a community can be. I nearly cried several times.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun middle grade book. Congrats to Chanel Miller for pursuing her dream of writing and illustrating a children’s book. I’m so happy to read in her acknowledgments that “things are looking up”.

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

very very cute and well written, chanel’s imagination comes through so strongly. acknowledgements made me tear up

[Fritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leuk en grappig boek. Ik vond het verwarrend dat personages van in het begin van het boek niet meer aan bod kwamen in het verhaal. Aan het einde van het boek kwamen deze personages terug en dan wist ik niet meer goed wie ze waren. Ik hoop dat er een vervolg komt!

[JustCharli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, a little young for me but pretty good with important messages.

[Sneha Dey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would die for this woman

[Brittany]

these girls and their silly little socks almost made me cry wtf

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun little book reminded me of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency's theory of the fundamental interconnectedness of all things.

Magnolia Wu lives in her parents' laundromat, and a new friend persuades her to actively seek out the owners of the lost single socks Magnolia has found around the place. The story unfolds with stream of consciousness and serendipity in a cozy New York City neighborhood populated with gently quirky people and places but not immune from microaggressions and acts of racism.

Through the quest Magnolia learns about those around her -- including her parents -- and herself, just the sort of thing you want in a children's book.

Sweet and humorous and delightfully nonsensical at times.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: The Bing Qi Ling Bubbles Birthday -- The NYC Sock Detective -- The Black-and-White Checkered Sock -- The Pink Knitted Sock -- The Flamingo Sock -- The Ice Cream Sock -- Salty Muscles -- The California Closet -- The Final Sock -- Author's Note -- Acknowledgments

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun premise for a middle-grade book. Magnolia’s parents, (who are sometimes embarrassing to her) run a small neighborhood laundry in New York City. With her new friend, Iris, the two girls set out to return the single socks to their owners. Along the way, Magnolia hears inspiring stories of her parent’s kindness. The premise, in the author’s own words, is nonsensical, but so satisfying. Chanel Miller is generous with her characters. She makes a big city into a small and supportive neighborhood.

Midway through the book, I paused to google the author to check what else she had done. The result was more than a little stunning. I had heard her story even if I didn’t remember her name. It is comforting and healing to witness such a kind book coming from someone who was forced into notoriety after an act of such evil.

[Sasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Working as a doorman, people are always coming and going. At first I thought, better not get attached, since no one will be here permanently. So I was distant and polite and figured that was the best way to do my job. But over time, I couldn’t help but care for all kinds of people. I learned that endings don’t have to be awful or unbearable things. Endings are inevitable, natural, because people evolve, circumstances change, and you’re just happy for every moment you got with them.”

magnolia wu unfolds it all is a charming middle grade novel (not middle grade like goodreads suggests) that's ultimately about a girl who loves her family, appreciates her neighborhood, and how every chapter ties back to the family's laundromat. it's full of kindness, love, and empathy. chanel miller wrote, drew, and narrated this wonderful book in its entirety; what a triple threat! the doodles are adorable and she put a lot of character into her narration which added to the charm of the writing.

[Rhiannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To everyone who read my first book: may this be the permission to go out and do whatever you wish. To past me, things are looking up."
Beautifully written and full of whimsy and heart. Magnolia is the friend my ten-year-old self would want. Chanel is the friend my adult self needs. Thank you for your writing, as always.

[mushroomsooup · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’d read anything chanel miller writes!!!!

this was whimsical, humorous and full of wondrous curiousity. i loved every bit of it.

i see a lot of myself in Magnolia, her wild imagination was something i possessed as a child. looking back, it’s funny how we, children, were able to come up with the most absurd, albeit functional, solutions to problems. they were strange but they did work.

both finding and having a sense of belonging in a place we supposedly call home is more significant that we think it is. there are times we tend to brush off this feeling of misplacement, not realising it’s the cause of an overbearing wave of everyday mundanity in our lives.

having a strong support system, no matter how small, is important for us hooman beings. all the more for kids!
if i was still at the student care centre, i’d make all my little kiddos read this. they’d adore it.

i can’t wait to see what else chanel miller puts out! <33

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

i bought this book for my nephew who is turning 10 and i cried many times!!!! i wish i had a book like this growing up, my heart is full

[Lauren | Wordsbetweenlines · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This middle grade book was full of beautiful art that enhanced the storytelling.

Magnolia is on a mission to return lost socks from her family’s laundromat. Along the way she builds friendships, finds connections and explores New York.

This is tender and funny and beautiful and I can’t wait for my kids to read it.

[Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually sobbing 😭

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

Magnolia is ten, and spends most of her days at the Bing Qi Ling Bubbles Laundromat that her parents run. Her only friend has moved away, and she has little interest in making new ones, even though it means that her birthday party will be a little sad. Her mother has a friend, Mrs. Lam, who works nearby as a dance instructor, and she brings her daughter Iris to hang out with Magnolia. Iris has just moved from California, and thinks it is better than New York, so Magnolia sets out to show her all of the interesting things about the neighborhood. Magnolia has a bulletin board at the laundry filled with single socks, and after an angry customer is mean to her mother and derides the board, Magnolia decides that she should investigate and try to return the socks to their owners, with Iris' help. The two start to ask questions, and talk to a lot of neighborhood business owners, running errands for them as they look for clues as to who might belong to the socks. They track down yarn at the Knitty Bitty shop, which leads them to Alan, who also plays piano. They stop by a pizza parlor and bookstore, and meet Jessica, who plays soccer and is rather lonely. When there is grafitti in the neighborhood that says "Go home!", Iris is sad, so Magnolia tries to recreate a California beach with cat litter. After finding the home of the final sock, which smells like coconut, the two girls are friends, and feel closer to their neighborhood.
Strengths: This had a bit of a vintage feel to it, with Magnolia having some Harriet the Spy (Fitzhugh) or A Girl Called Al (Greene) vibes. Living in suburbia, I am enthralled by vibrant city landscapes, but I also find it hard to believe that they really exist! Magnolia and Iris are allowed a fair amount of freedom to wander about and meet people, which is delightful. There are plentiful page decorations, which is something I would like to see more in middle grade literature.
Weaknesses: The illustrations are a bit odd, and Magnolia and Iris have many philosophical discussions with the people in their neighborhood that seem a bit deeper than conversations ten year olds usually have.
What I really think: This is a good choice for younger readers who like books that center around neighborhoods, like Vivat's Meet Me on Mercer Street, LaCoer and Albert's The Apartment House on Poppy Hill, or Finnegan's Sunny Parker is Here to Stay.