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Rainbow Fair
Set against the backdrop of a middle school cultural fair, this tenderhearted and funny novel from the author of The Unbeatable Lily Hong stars twelve-year-old Sophie Mu—who discovers the power of defining oneself as she navigates friendship drama, family expectations, and learning about her Hui, her Chinese Muslim identity.
Sophie’s work on the Chinese booth at last year’s Rainbow Fair is a point of pride for her and her parents, even if Sophie and her best friend, Katie, think the whole thing is a little silly. Sophie's family is Hui, Chinese Muslim. The Muslim part is something she doesn't know much about. Her parents prefer to keep it private. So when it gets slipped to an overenthusiastic teacher that Sophie is Muslim, the only Muslim in her class, suddenly Sophie is in charge of debuting a booth representing the Islamic religion she doesn't practice, an assignment she is determined to keep secret from her parents.
Having to choose between leaving the Chinese booth or taking on double the workload leaves Sophie feeling conflicted. Why does she have to choose which part of herself to represent? Is it an issue with her or with how the Rainbow Fair is organized?
Between juggling both booths, old and new friends, and learning more about her Muslim faith and ancestry, Sophie starts to notice how her working on two booths starts to spark change throughout the student body. It turns out Sophie isn't the only one at Monroe Middle School whose identity isn't so simply categorized by the Rainbow Fair's limited booths.
One thing is for sure, this year's Rainbow Fair won't look anything like it did in the past, and Sophie begins to realize that that might not be a bad thing at all.
Sophie’s work on the Chinese booth at last year’s Rainbow Fair is a point of pride for her and her parents, even if Sophie and her best friend, Katie, think the whole thing is a little silly. Sophie's family is Hui, Chinese Muslim. The Muslim part is something she doesn't know much about. Her parents prefer to keep it private. So when it gets slipped to an overenthusiastic teacher that Sophie is Muslim, the only Muslim in her class, suddenly Sophie is in charge of debuting a booth representing the Islamic religion she doesn't practice, an assignment she is determined to keep secret from her parents.
Having to choose between leaving the Chinese booth or taking on double the workload leaves Sophie feeling conflicted. Why does she have to choose which part of herself to represent? Is it an issue with her or with how the Rainbow Fair is organized?
Between juggling both booths, old and new friends, and learning more about her Muslim faith and ancestry, Sophie starts to notice how her working on two booths starts to spark change throughout the student body. It turns out Sophie isn't the only one at Monroe Middle School whose identity isn't so simply categorized by the Rainbow Fair's limited booths.
One thing is for sure, this year's Rainbow Fair won't look anything like it did in the past, and Sophie begins to realize that that might not be a bad thing at all.
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First published April 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 24, 2025
There are parts of this book that are a little cringy (on purpose) and a lot of this book that is about self discovery and the celebration of identity. I love that second part. Also strong in charming immigrant parents, friendship dramas, caring about each other… and more sweet celebrations. Awesome. I also loved learning about Hui Muslims and that it's so specifically set in Seattle.
March 18, 2025
If you see this 224 page middle grade book, the title might hint that the content is LGBTQ+ as the rainbow often symbolizes such, but if you look closely at the cover you don't see a rainbow flag, just a Chinese scene on one side and on the other you will see crescent moon lights being hung up above a masjid silhouette, merging together with a little girl holding a rehal, a book and some art supplies. If you then turn the book over, or search the internet, and read the blurb, you will learn that the book is about Sophie, a Chinese Muslim girl learning and sharing her heritage at the school's Rainbow Fair. As a result, I requested an arc to read and review. No where does it reveal that the book centers queer characters, LGBTQ+ support and allyship, consistently parallels Islamic faith with sexual and gender identities, and prioritizes intersectional identities and agenda over plot and insight. Had I known this, I wouldn't have read the book, I share this review simply as a heads up to its contents, so families can decide for themselves if it is for them. The book is MG and honestly, it feels misleading and intentional that it is not articulated in a book meant for nine to 12 year olds. With identity exploration of being Chinese, a child of immigrants, a main character being bisexual, the protagonist repeatedly claims to want to learn about her Muslim identity, but very little information or interaction with the knowledge is sadly ever shown. The plot seems to just become a forced juxtaposition of two marginalized communities: Muslim and LGBTQ+, to make the point that we are all more than one label. I understand that my view and practice of Islam, is not every Muslims, but trying to have a faith identity and sexual/gender identity parallel one another by having the protagonist "coming out as Muslim," and being "outted" as Muslim by her bisexual friend before she is ready, is an awkward read. It continues in this approach comparing a trans character being misgendered in a locker room to a Muslim character not having a space to pray, and likens the diversity of a mosque BBQ to the pride parade. I support finding common ground, but when questions about Muslims stoning gays are left hanging, the reader never getting a convincing answer to why her parents hide their Islam, and there is no real rising action, climax, or character arcs- I feel like the labels and the author's agenda, even if OWN voice, are the point of the book, and it doesn't make for a compelling read.
SYNOPSIS:
Sophie and Katie did their school's Chinese booth together last year at the Rainbow Fair, they are best friends and do everything together, but since Katie has come out as bi, she has new friends and is petitioning to add an LGBTQ+ booth, and the rules say she can only be at one booth. When a sleep over breakfast calls attention to Sophie not eating bacon, it comes out that she is Muslim, not something she meant to keep secret all these years, but something not even Katie knew about. When discussions about being Muslim spill over into class when booths are being assigned, Sophie decides to do the Muslim booth. She is afraid her parents will be disappointed, and even though she knows nothing about Islam, she is ready to learn. A new kid at school, Anna, is Muslim and joins Sophie at the booth, and as the two become friends, Anna tells Sophie there "is more than one way to be Muslim" and of course she is a "real Muslim." Empowered by not having to pick one identity, Sophia and Katie and all the other kids change Rainbow Fair and show how everyone is more than just one label.
WHY I LIKE IT:
The premise on the back of the book is promising, I just feel like the book missed meeting its own stated intention. The characters are not developed, there are no moments of growth or self reflection, they have no arc or relatability outside of a label. Sophie paints her parents to be strict, but the precious little that is shown, never backs that up. As a result the reader has no idea why Sophie doesn't just tell her parents she is doing the Muslim booth and ask them about Islam. After they see the booth at the fair, they say they don't talk about Islam because of Islamophobia in America and feeling othered in China, but that is it. Exploration of that would be a far more interesting story: Why did they leave China for Taiwan? When did they migrate to America, was it recent, or did they slowly start to hide their Islam? Dad learned to read Arabic in Taiwan, what was the Chinese community like? Why don't they celebrate Eid, but have a Christmas tree, did something happen? Why do they not eat pork but drink alcohol? Sadly the two dimensional parents are not fleshed out and Sophie faults them, while constantly trying not to let Chinese stereotypes define them, but the repetitive contradiction, just leans into the labels and fails to make them feel real and relatable.
The book is all talk and no show, and with no real plot, the talking gets repetitive. Breaking the fourth wall we are taken in circles of the same talking points that more than once had me checking if I had bumped the screen and gone back to pages already read. Threads are introduced and then abandoned: what is the point of the whole roller derby thread aside from showing Sophie makes powerpoints, and her parents give in? The girls never go roller skating, it is not something that bonds them. We only know they are close because we are told they are. The beginning and end show Sophie can smell food and decipher its contents, so why isn't that part of the story as she is trying to figure out Eid foods, cooking, the lunch offerings at the mosque? It hints that the Black culture booth is being suppressed, but it never develops it, nor articulates any real push back, it just skirts the issue. Why the judge-y competitive aunt and uncle? Is their inclusion meant to make Sophie's parents more or less likeable? Does it reinforce or dispel Asian stereotypes?
From the very start the book feels forced. Sophie has never gone to a sleep over, her best friend plans a sleepover birthday, but is willing to change it if Sophie can't come. What kind of stilted set up is this, why wouldn't these bffs plan the birthday together, and get Sophie's parents on board first? It makes no sense that if she can't come it will be changed and not be a problem because they are so close and she has to be there. It also immediately contradicts the looming conflict of the book, that the parents are strict. They gave in to roller derby, they give in to this sleep over, and have no problem that two of the girls are dating that sleep over, and "Shane is non binary and doesn't identify as a girl or a boy." Clearly the parents are very supportive.
Consistently Sophie drops words, or cultural practices, but doesn't explain them or engage with them, both the Chinese historical and cultural rep, and Islamic, quick example, she has a Quran but never reads it, we don't learn about the immortals her dad wants her to feature at the Chinese booth. It makes it seem superficial and further distances the reader from connecting with Sophie, with culture, with faith, with the book. Speaking of books, it really bothered me that two books mentioned as being intersectional, Black Muslim Author, Autumn Allen's All You Have to Do, and Queer Muslim Author Adiba Jaigirdar's Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating are YA books, isn't that off to mention repeatedly books that your target audience won't know, or be in the demographic yet to read?
I could go on and on, but I will stop, I think it is clear I didn't enjoy the book.
SYNOPSIS:
Sophie and Katie did their school's Chinese booth together last year at the Rainbow Fair, they are best friends and do everything together, but since Katie has come out as bi, she has new friends and is petitioning to add an LGBTQ+ booth, and the rules say she can only be at one booth. When a sleep over breakfast calls attention to Sophie not eating bacon, it comes out that she is Muslim, not something she meant to keep secret all these years, but something not even Katie knew about. When discussions about being Muslim spill over into class when booths are being assigned, Sophie decides to do the Muslim booth. She is afraid her parents will be disappointed, and even though she knows nothing about Islam, she is ready to learn. A new kid at school, Anna, is Muslim and joins Sophie at the booth, and as the two become friends, Anna tells Sophie there "is more than one way to be Muslim" and of course she is a "real Muslim." Empowered by not having to pick one identity, Sophia and Katie and all the other kids change Rainbow Fair and show how everyone is more than just one label.
WHY I LIKE IT:
The premise on the back of the book is promising, I just feel like the book missed meeting its own stated intention. The characters are not developed, there are no moments of growth or self reflection, they have no arc or relatability outside of a label. Sophie paints her parents to be strict, but the precious little that is shown, never backs that up. As a result the reader has no idea why Sophie doesn't just tell her parents she is doing the Muslim booth and ask them about Islam. After they see the booth at the fair, they say they don't talk about Islam because of Islamophobia in America and feeling othered in China, but that is it. Exploration of that would be a far more interesting story: Why did they leave China for Taiwan? When did they migrate to America, was it recent, or did they slowly start to hide their Islam? Dad learned to read Arabic in Taiwan, what was the Chinese community like? Why don't they celebrate Eid, but have a Christmas tree, did something happen? Why do they not eat pork but drink alcohol? Sadly the two dimensional parents are not fleshed out and Sophie faults them, while constantly trying not to let Chinese stereotypes define them, but the repetitive contradiction, just leans into the labels and fails to make them feel real and relatable.
The book is all talk and no show, and with no real plot, the talking gets repetitive. Breaking the fourth wall we are taken in circles of the same talking points that more than once had me checking if I had bumped the screen and gone back to pages already read. Threads are introduced and then abandoned: what is the point of the whole roller derby thread aside from showing Sophie makes powerpoints, and her parents give in? The girls never go roller skating, it is not something that bonds them. We only know they are close because we are told they are. The beginning and end show Sophie can smell food and decipher its contents, so why isn't that part of the story as she is trying to figure out Eid foods, cooking, the lunch offerings at the mosque? It hints that the Black culture booth is being suppressed, but it never develops it, nor articulates any real push back, it just skirts the issue. Why the judge-y competitive aunt and uncle? Is their inclusion meant to make Sophie's parents more or less likeable? Does it reinforce or dispel Asian stereotypes?
From the very start the book feels forced. Sophie has never gone to a sleep over, her best friend plans a sleepover birthday, but is willing to change it if Sophie can't come. What kind of stilted set up is this, why wouldn't these bffs plan the birthday together, and get Sophie's parents on board first? It makes no sense that if she can't come it will be changed and not be a problem because they are so close and she has to be there. It also immediately contradicts the looming conflict of the book, that the parents are strict. They gave in to roller derby, they give in to this sleep over, and have no problem that two of the girls are dating that sleep over, and "Shane is non binary and doesn't identify as a girl or a boy." Clearly the parents are very supportive.
Consistently Sophie drops words, or cultural practices, but doesn't explain them or engage with them, both the Chinese historical and cultural rep, and Islamic, quick example, she has a Quran but never reads it, we don't learn about the immortals her dad wants her to feature at the Chinese booth. It makes it seem superficial and further distances the reader from connecting with Sophie, with culture, with faith, with the book. Speaking of books, it really bothered me that two books mentioned as being intersectional, Black Muslim Author, Autumn Allen's All You Have to Do, and Queer Muslim Author Adiba Jaigirdar's Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating are YA books, isn't that off to mention repeatedly books that your target audience won't know, or be in the demographic yet to read?
I could go on and on, but I will stop, I think it is clear I didn't enjoy the book.
May 15, 2025
Sophie's contributions to the Chinese cultural booth at their middle school's Rainbow Fair or Rainbow Heritage and Cultural Awareness and Acceptance Fair has always been integral at least to Sophie and her parents, even if she and her best friend, Katie, always joke about how cheesy it can be. But this year is different, Katie successfully petitioned their principal to have the first ever LGBTQ+ booth! But Sophie worries about the pressure about keeping up to her parents' expectations of the booth and doing it all without her friend. Adding to the perfectionist expectations her parents have of her, Sophie's been keeping something secret: that she is Hui or Chinese Muslim.
She's still trying to figure out what it means to be Hui, except she doesn't practice the religion, her parents both don't keep quiet about it but also don't exactly discuss it in public, and she hasn't met anyone else like her. When it gets slipped out to their teacher that she is Hui, her teacher voluntold (volunteer tells) her to be debut the first ever booth that represents a religion, she's in charge of debuting this new booth but also trying to keep it a secret that she isn't running the Chinese booth from her parents. She faced with having to choose between either booth or running the risk of being overwhelmed by overloading herself with both booths to prep for.
But as she makes new friends, learns more about the different ways to practice her faith, and the in depth ancestry of being Hui, she gets to learn that she's not the only one at Monroe Middle School whose identity is more than just the one booth limit. I absolutely loved reading about her journey in friendship, learning about her faith and her ancestry.
She's still trying to figure out what it means to be Hui, except she doesn't practice the religion, her parents both don't keep quiet about it but also don't exactly discuss it in public, and she hasn't met anyone else like her. When it gets slipped out to their teacher that she is Hui, her teacher voluntold (volunteer tells) her to be debut the first ever booth that represents a religion, she's in charge of debuting this new booth but also trying to keep it a secret that she isn't running the Chinese booth from her parents. She faced with having to choose between either booth or running the risk of being overwhelmed by overloading herself with both booths to prep for.
But as she makes new friends, learns more about the different ways to practice her faith, and the in depth ancestry of being Hui, she gets to learn that she's not the only one at Monroe Middle School whose identity is more than just the one booth limit. I absolutely loved reading about her journey in friendship, learning about her faith and her ancestry.
November 22, 2024
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Sophie is looking forward to the Rainbow Fair at Monroe Middle School in Seattle. It's a yearly event, meant to showcase the school's diversity. Last year, in sixth grade, Sophie worked at the Chinese booth with her longtime best friend Katie, which made her parents very happy. This year, Katie (who has recently come out as bisexual and has very supportive parents) has gotten permission for the very first LGBTQIA+ booth. Because the school rules dictate that students can only work at one booth, Sophie is disappointed that she won't be with her friend. Sophie's long held secret is that she and her family are Muslim, although the only way they preserve this identity is by not eating pork and by the parents occasionally telling her "remember, you're Muslim". After a rare sleepover for Katie's birthday (Sophie's parents think it would put Katie's parents out, but are convinced when Sophie suggests the perfect hostess gift), Katie accidentally "outs" Sophie as Muslim. A teacher who was wishing there would be a Muslim booth finds out and puts Sophie in charge, since there are others to fun the Chinese booth, even though they are more interested in robotics and other topics. Sophie does a lot of research, but doesn't have any first hand experience with the religion or culture, and even her attempts at making some traditional food fall flat. Luckily, a new student, Anna, starts at the school. Since she is Muslim, the two work together. All of the students are a bit upset that people can only work at one booth, and come up with innovative ways to promote intersectionality. Sophie's biggest concern is that her parents will be disappointed that she is not at the Chinese booth, even though she has learned a lot about the family's Hui identity.
Strengths: Sophie's community seems very supportive, and her parents are very mindful of how to address her friends, who also include the nonbinary Shane who uses they/them pronouns. The family's decision to stay quiet about their Muslim identity isn't really explored until the end of the book, but that seems realistic; even though society is more open today, I still agree with my grandmother's assertion that it's not necessary to tell everyone everything. When I was in middle school, my church confirmation classes took us to a wide variety of religious institutions, and that was fascinating. Middle school is an age where many kids are exploring issues of identity, so Sophie's questions, as well as her desire to learn more about Islam from Anna, will resonate with many young readers.
Weaknesses: I don't think today's tweens care what other people eat. Tell them you're allergic to pork. You don't like pork. Your mother won't let you eat it because of hepatitis E concerns. This figures largely in the plot, but seemed like a non-issue. I also would have liked more information about Muslim cultures and identities, as well as the display at the booth.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed this author's The Unbeatable Lily Hong (https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...) or Ali and Saeed's Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices. https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Sophie is looking forward to the Rainbow Fair at Monroe Middle School in Seattle. It's a yearly event, meant to showcase the school's diversity. Last year, in sixth grade, Sophie worked at the Chinese booth with her longtime best friend Katie, which made her parents very happy. This year, Katie (who has recently come out as bisexual and has very supportive parents) has gotten permission for the very first LGBTQIA+ booth. Because the school rules dictate that students can only work at one booth, Sophie is disappointed that she won't be with her friend. Sophie's long held secret is that she and her family are Muslim, although the only way they preserve this identity is by not eating pork and by the parents occasionally telling her "remember, you're Muslim". After a rare sleepover for Katie's birthday (Sophie's parents think it would put Katie's parents out, but are convinced when Sophie suggests the perfect hostess gift), Katie accidentally "outs" Sophie as Muslim. A teacher who was wishing there would be a Muslim booth finds out and puts Sophie in charge, since there are others to fun the Chinese booth, even though they are more interested in robotics and other topics. Sophie does a lot of research, but doesn't have any first hand experience with the religion or culture, and even her attempts at making some traditional food fall flat. Luckily, a new student, Anna, starts at the school. Since she is Muslim, the two work together. All of the students are a bit upset that people can only work at one booth, and come up with innovative ways to promote intersectionality. Sophie's biggest concern is that her parents will be disappointed that she is not at the Chinese booth, even though she has learned a lot about the family's Hui identity.
Strengths: Sophie's community seems very supportive, and her parents are very mindful of how to address her friends, who also include the nonbinary Shane who uses they/them pronouns. The family's decision to stay quiet about their Muslim identity isn't really explored until the end of the book, but that seems realistic; even though society is more open today, I still agree with my grandmother's assertion that it's not necessary to tell everyone everything. When I was in middle school, my church confirmation classes took us to a wide variety of religious institutions, and that was fascinating. Middle school is an age where many kids are exploring issues of identity, so Sophie's questions, as well as her desire to learn more about Islam from Anna, will resonate with many young readers.
Weaknesses: I don't think today's tweens care what other people eat. Tell them you're allergic to pork. You don't like pork. Your mother won't let you eat it because of hepatitis E concerns. This figures largely in the plot, but seemed like a non-issue. I also would have liked more information about Muslim cultures and identities, as well as the display at the booth.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed this author's The Unbeatable Lily Hong (https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...) or Ali and Saeed's Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices. https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
August 6, 2025
I love that while this book serves as a meditation on identity, it is accessible to middle schoolers in a simple, heartfelt tale that has all the MG friendship feels. I also appreciate the representation of a repressed group of Muslims and the way Ma shows how this plays out in the real world. While some Muslims may dismiss this rep, it's important for the many kids who live it. I would not want these children (and their parents) to feel like there isn't a place for them in our communities. A scene at the mosque brought to mind a time decades ago when I, as a teen, met a few young Bosnian Muslim women who asked me to teach them how to pray. They admitted to knowing almost nothing about being Muslim, just that it had been important to their families. What struck me was the desire to reach for and hold onto any shred of their Muslim identities even through Communism and persecution. This holding on was also very present in Rainbow Fair, like when the father keeps a Chinese-translated Quran and has kept one with an English translation, hopeful that Sophie will read it someday. Or Sophie's mom becoming teary while remembering a long-gone salat rug that became tattered over time. They aren't practicing Muslims, and they've developed behaviors around hiding being Muslim, but some part of them knows it's important to protect and preserve even a morsel of their faith. It's important to reach for it and hold on. I get the sense that even in the writing of this book, Ma is doing that reaching and holding.
And yes, I get that aspects (like the LGBTQ threads) of this book will go against traditional norms of conservative Muslim communities. Traditional Muslim parents will want to read the book ahead of time, but as someone who leans traditional while raising kids in a pluralistic society, I think this is a good book for generative conversations with my kids about their roles as citizens in a diverse country and the diversity of experiences of Muslims throughout the world.
And yes, I get that aspects (like the LGBTQ threads) of this book will go against traditional norms of conservative Muslim communities. Traditional Muslim parents will want to read the book ahead of time, but as someone who leans traditional while raising kids in a pluralistic society, I think this is a good book for generative conversations with my kids about their roles as citizens in a diverse country and the diversity of experiences of Muslims throughout the world.
July 3, 2025
Sophie Hu is navigating middle school and many of the growing pains that come along with that time in a young person's life: navigating parental expectations, the drama of shifting social alliances, and figuring out what is important to you and how you want to present yourself to the world. Most of the action in this novel revolves around preparation for the school's annual Rainbow Fair. Sophie's parents assume she, along with her best friend Katie, will be presenting at the Chinese booth again. This year, however, Katie—who identifies as bisexual—has successfully lobbied for adding an LGBTQ+ booth. When Sophie's well-meaning teacher finds out she's Muslim, she shifts Sophie's assignment to the new Muslim booth, and partners her with Anna—a new student. But Sophie's family is not particularly open about being Muslim and they don't really practice the religion. Rainbow Fair is a story about identity-particularly about middle schoolers exploring their intersectionality. Sophie and her classmates are very accepting of each other's differences. One of the most beautiful things about this book is how they find ways to connect their different identities to one another. Differences are celebrated. Homophobia and racism are not ignored, but they are not the focus of these students' experiences. Sophie and her friends are mostly believable as middle school students, though their dialog is a bit formal at times. The cover for this book is cartoonish and makes it look like it is for a younger audience than I would recommend it to. Middle school students, who would find a lot to relate to in the text, may be put off by the presentation. Teachers and librarians might need to do some work to get Rainbow Fair into students' hands.
Recommended for readers in grades 5-7.
Recommended for readers in grades 5-7.
September 7, 2024
I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it
What do you do when efforts to celebrate diversity end up dividing?
Sophie is excited about her school's Rainbow Fair. Last year, she worked at the China booth along with her best friend, and it was great.
Except that this year her friend will be working at the new LGBT booth (and can only do one)...and to make matters worse, her friend accidentally "outed" Sophie as being Moslem. Except Sophie's family is non-practicing (except for not eating pork), and Sophie doesn't know what that means. Sophie is then put in a position of trying to represent a culture she doesn't know at all, support her friends in the China booth as well.....and feels left out with her friends who are doing the LGBT booth.
This book is a perfect example of how good intentions can go very, very awry. Because Sophie isn't just Moslem. The other kids in the China booth are, respectively more interested in Robotics and Drama than dragons and pagodas. The LGBT kids are also a mix of races and cultures, not just gay, trans, or bi...and so on. The good news is that, in this case, the kids realize what the adults don't, which is that intersectionality is more than a buzzword-it's the real world.
This is an excellent book and would be wonderful for class discussion. It doesn't shy away from issues of prejudice and discrimination and cultural clash, either. I wish I were more confident that it would be allowed in school and community libraries.
What do you do when efforts to celebrate diversity end up dividing?
Sophie is excited about her school's Rainbow Fair. Last year, she worked at the China booth along with her best friend, and it was great.
Except that this year her friend will be working at the new LGBT booth (and can only do one)...and to make matters worse, her friend accidentally "outed" Sophie as being Moslem. Except Sophie's family is non-practicing (except for not eating pork), and Sophie doesn't know what that means. Sophie is then put in a position of trying to represent a culture she doesn't know at all, support her friends in the China booth as well.....and feels left out with her friends who are doing the LGBT booth.
This book is a perfect example of how good intentions can go very, very awry. Because Sophie isn't just Moslem. The other kids in the China booth are, respectively more interested in Robotics and Drama than dragons and pagodas. The LGBT kids are also a mix of races and cultures, not just gay, trans, or bi...and so on. The good news is that, in this case, the kids realize what the adults don't, which is that intersectionality is more than a buzzword-it's the real world.
This is an excellent book and would be wonderful for class discussion. It doesn't shy away from issues of prejudice and discrimination and cultural clash, either. I wish I were more confident that it would be allowed in school and community libraries.
July 10, 2025
I loved this book so much. Sophie’s story really hit home for me as someone who also grew up Muslim in America. She is just a kid who wants to hang out with her friends and do what she loves, but because of the many layers of her identity, being a Hui Chinese American Muslim in a country that does not always make space for that, life gets more complicated.
One of the most relatable parts was when Sophie talks about not being sure how to explain her religion, especially when people expect Muslims to look or sound a certain way. That tension of being and not "looking" Muslim, and the everyday mix-ups like the Great Pork Misunderstanding, felt so real and familiar.
I really appreciated how this book shows that even among marginalized groups, there is still so much learning we all need to do about each other. Sophie is an ally to her queer friends, but she also experiences being othered as a Muslim. That balance of connection and difference is handled with so much care.
Through the Rainbow Fair at school, Sophie begins to reclaim her identity and share her heritage with others. It opens up new possibilities not just for her, but for her family too. I loved how this led to moments of healing and acceptance for her parents and connection across different parts of her life, including her masjid and school friends.
In a world that often tries to separate people, it was so hopeful to see young people like Sophie finding ways to bring their full selves forward and build bridges with each other.
One of the most relatable parts was when Sophie talks about not being sure how to explain her religion, especially when people expect Muslims to look or sound a certain way. That tension of being and not "looking" Muslim, and the everyday mix-ups like the Great Pork Misunderstanding, felt so real and familiar.
I really appreciated how this book shows that even among marginalized groups, there is still so much learning we all need to do about each other. Sophie is an ally to her queer friends, but she also experiences being othered as a Muslim. That balance of connection and difference is handled with so much care.
Through the Rainbow Fair at school, Sophie begins to reclaim her identity and share her heritage with others. It opens up new possibilities not just for her, but for her family too. I loved how this led to moments of healing and acceptance for her parents and connection across different parts of her life, including her masjid and school friends.
In a world that often tries to separate people, it was so hopeful to see young people like Sophie finding ways to bring their full selves forward and build bridges with each other.
February 13, 2025
This beautiful middle grade novel is for anyone who struggles to accept all of themselves. Often we place kids (or even ourselves) in a cultural box based on one aspect of ourselves. Maybe it's because of the color of our skin, the language we speak at home, or the way we worship but often a single box is not enough to make us feel seen because we are not just one thing.
Katie, Sophie and Anna are every kid struggling with the desire to be seen while still fitting in. They are great representations of a time in life where kids becoming teens struggle to define themselves and find their place. These changes can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety for many and this book shows how finding your support and open communication can help, a message for any tween or teen that struggles with acceptance.
The book is informative about the Hui, and all the different ways to be Muslim in America. We often withhold aspects of ourselves for fear of rejection or ridicule this novel shows that kids can create safe spaces and share all of themselves.
I love the idea of kids stepping up and saying to the adults, I am not just one thing and I want to share and celebrate all my parts. In our America where there are so many people with parents from different cultures it is important for kids to see that every part of them is special and worthy. This book does that while giving information about a group that many may not have seen before.
Katie, Sophie and Anna are every kid struggling with the desire to be seen while still fitting in. They are great representations of a time in life where kids becoming teens struggle to define themselves and find their place. These changes can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety for many and this book shows how finding your support and open communication can help, a message for any tween or teen that struggles with acceptance.
The book is informative about the Hui, and all the different ways to be Muslim in America. We often withhold aspects of ourselves for fear of rejection or ridicule this novel shows that kids can create safe spaces and share all of themselves.
I love the idea of kids stepping up and saying to the adults, I am not just one thing and I want to share and celebrate all my parts. In our America where there are so many people with parents from different cultures it is important for kids to see that every part of them is special and worthy. This book does that while giving information about a group that many may not have seen before.
September 7, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for the free ARC!
Diana Ma does a great job of exploring the concept of intersectionality with different kinds of identities in Rainbow Fair. The main character, Sophie, is on a search to discover what her different identities mean to her throughout the book. Coming from a proud Chinese family, she is confused by the way that her parents seem to hide their Muslim identity from the outside world. Sophie is not sure why this is the case and starts to explore what being Muslim means to her when she is asked to create the Muslim booth at her school's Rainbow Fair. The teacher seems to be behind the times when she insists that each student can only work on one booth (as if everyone only has one group that they belong to!). As a result, Sophie and her best friend Katie, are no longer working together on the Chinese booth (as they have for the past several years). Sophie is now working on the Muslim booth and Katie is working on the new LGBTQ+ booth. What I appreciated about this book is the way that on their own, the students decide how to modernize the Rainbow Fair by integrating the different booths at the Rainbow Fair in creative ways! By the end of the book, Sophie also starts to understand more about where her parents are coming from and her own identity.
Diana Ma does a great job of exploring the concept of intersectionality with different kinds of identities in Rainbow Fair. The main character, Sophie, is on a search to discover what her different identities mean to her throughout the book. Coming from a proud Chinese family, she is confused by the way that her parents seem to hide their Muslim identity from the outside world. Sophie is not sure why this is the case and starts to explore what being Muslim means to her when she is asked to create the Muslim booth at her school's Rainbow Fair. The teacher seems to be behind the times when she insists that each student can only work on one booth (as if everyone only has one group that they belong to!). As a result, Sophie and her best friend Katie, are no longer working together on the Chinese booth (as they have for the past several years). Sophie is now working on the Muslim booth and Katie is working on the new LGBTQ+ booth. What I appreciated about this book is the way that on their own, the students decide how to modernize the Rainbow Fair by integrating the different booths at the Rainbow Fair in creative ways! By the end of the book, Sophie also starts to understand more about where her parents are coming from and her own identity.
April 6, 2025
Rainbow Fair by Diana Ma is a vibrant exploration of identity and cultural belonging, told through the eyes of twelve-year-old Sophie. The novel’s strength lies in its honest portrayal of the struggles that arise when one is caught between multiple heritages—Chinese and Muslim—and the pressure to conform to simplified cultural narratives.
On the positive side, the book shines in its authentic depiction of middle school life and the messy, real emotions tied to self-discovery. Sophie’s journey at the Rainbow Fair, where she’s unexpectedly tasked with representing a culture she barely knows, serves as a powerful metaphor for the challenges of embracing all parts of oneself. The narrative does a commendable job of highlighting the importance of inclusivity and the beauty of intersectional identities.
However, while the core message is both timely and inspiring, there are moments when the story feels a bit didactic. At times, the narrative could benefit from deeper character exploration or more nuanced pacing, which might help the emotional stakes resonate even more.
From my perspective, Rainbow Fair is an engaging and thought-provoking read that encourages its audience to celebrate their multifaceted identities. A decent read with a solid message, but ultimately, it could have benefited from more subtlety and depth.
On the positive side, the book shines in its authentic depiction of middle school life and the messy, real emotions tied to self-discovery. Sophie’s journey at the Rainbow Fair, where she’s unexpectedly tasked with representing a culture she barely knows, serves as a powerful metaphor for the challenges of embracing all parts of oneself. The narrative does a commendable job of highlighting the importance of inclusivity and the beauty of intersectional identities.
However, while the core message is both timely and inspiring, there are moments when the story feels a bit didactic. At times, the narrative could benefit from deeper character exploration or more nuanced pacing, which might help the emotional stakes resonate even more.
From my perspective, Rainbow Fair is an engaging and thought-provoking read that encourages its audience to celebrate their multifaceted identities. A decent read with a solid message, but ultimately, it could have benefited from more subtlety and depth.
January 27, 2025
I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
Sophie and Katie are best friends and have been for years. However, some changes have been happening in seventh grade and they need to figure out how to maintain their friendship and adapt it at the same time. The Rainbow Fair of the title is an annual school event where students set up booths so share their culture. This year, the friends will not be at the Chinese booth together and Sophie feels the stress of this change. Readers see her struggle to figure out who she is. She knows she is Muslim as her parents tell her so but they do not attend faith services nor daily prayers. She keeps this hidden from everyone but her parents until an incident at a friend's home brings the info out. It is then accidentally shared at school and Katie finds herself setting up a Muslim booth for the Fair.
Every one of the characters knows they belong in more than one area but the rule is that they can only participate in one booth. I love the way Sophie leads the rule breaking and others find ways to honor all aspects of themselves. Readers will connect with the various ways they belong and understand the struggle to know who they are. Well written for middle grade readers.
Sophie and Katie are best friends and have been for years. However, some changes have been happening in seventh grade and they need to figure out how to maintain their friendship and adapt it at the same time. The Rainbow Fair of the title is an annual school event where students set up booths so share their culture. This year, the friends will not be at the Chinese booth together and Sophie feels the stress of this change. Readers see her struggle to figure out who she is. She knows she is Muslim as her parents tell her so but they do not attend faith services nor daily prayers. She keeps this hidden from everyone but her parents until an incident at a friend's home brings the info out. It is then accidentally shared at school and Katie finds herself setting up a Muslim booth for the Fair.
Every one of the characters knows they belong in more than one area but the rule is that they can only participate in one booth. I love the way Sophie leads the rule breaking and others find ways to honor all aspects of themselves. Readers will connect with the various ways they belong and understand the struggle to know who they are. Well written for middle grade readers.
March 21, 2025
First, I love that a school even has something called a Rainbow Fair. I think this is something that schools should have in place period. Celebrating others and their cultures is just lovely, and I think it is a great chance for kids to learn about things they never have been exposed to in general. I loved that Sophie could find a way to work at two booths at the Rainbow Fair but be able to learn more about a piece of her culture that she was leery of telling people about, and really didn’t understand other than her parents told her to identify as is also beautiful. Learning about your culture especially when you are not in a country full of people who identify or have the same beliefs as you can be so hard, and this book does a lovely job of facing that head on. I think this is a lovely inclusive book, and I love what the kids turn the Rainbow Fair into by the end of this book. Thank you for publishing such a lovely novel, I hope that it resonates with so many young and old readers.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
July 1, 2025
Love this! What a great premise, that brings so many identity and representation issues to the fore without forcing them. So much for everyone to learn... in an appealing story about figuring out who you are, how to talk to your family, and how to make new diverse friends. And, while you're at, improve school culture too!
I'm a tiny bit concerned about a couple of things. First, Sophie and Katie are 12, and they're reading teen romances. The readers of this book are more likely to 10, and I don't want them to skip over MG books and go straight to YA... so if you're a parent or other educator, you might want to have a bit of a conversation about how many amazing MG books there are left for them to read first. Second, this might seem just a little bit too earnest to some people who are more into adventure or into more subtle themes... so, get over it and enjoy the joy & heart of a satisfying story.
(I just realized, though, nobody seems to have any sort of disability. We who love children's books are still waiting for authors and publishers to do more than show a token wheelchair....)
I'm a tiny bit concerned about a couple of things. First, Sophie and Katie are 12, and they're reading teen romances. The readers of this book are more likely to 10, and I don't want them to skip over MG books and go straight to YA... so if you're a parent or other educator, you might want to have a bit of a conversation about how many amazing MG books there are left for them to read first. Second, this might seem just a little bit too earnest to some people who are more into adventure or into more subtle themes... so, get over it and enjoy the joy & heart of a satisfying story.
(I just realized, though, nobody seems to have any sort of disability. We who love children's books are still waiting for authors and publishers to do more than show a token wheelchair....)
December 13, 2025
The book "Rainbow Fair" is a amazing book by Diana Ma.
This book tells a lot about Muslim culture, where Sophie Hu is Chinese Muslim and was hiding this thing from her school classmates, teachers and her closest friends. At her school, they had a rainbow fair, where you have to tell everyone about your culture, and Sophie chooses to be in the Muslim booth. She hides all this from her parents, since she thought that her parents would be mad at her, as she did not go in the Chinese booth, and went in the Muslim booth. She finds a new girl named Anna, who was also Muslim and wanted to work with her for the Muslim booth.
Later, when it was time for the parents to come and see their kids booth, Sophie tells her parents about the Muslim booth and surprisingly her parents say that they are really proud of her as she picked to work on the Muslim booth and respects her culture. She enjoys the rainbow fair with her family and also introduces Anna to her parents. After this huge enjoyment she feels really proud about being Muslim and also starts to learn a lot of new things from Anna and her parents, to dive more deeper into her culture.
This book tells a lot about Muslim culture, where Sophie Hu is Chinese Muslim and was hiding this thing from her school classmates, teachers and her closest friends. At her school, they had a rainbow fair, where you have to tell everyone about your culture, and Sophie chooses to be in the Muslim booth. She hides all this from her parents, since she thought that her parents would be mad at her, as she did not go in the Chinese booth, and went in the Muslim booth. She finds a new girl named Anna, who was also Muslim and wanted to work with her for the Muslim booth.
Later, when it was time for the parents to come and see their kids booth, Sophie tells her parents about the Muslim booth and surprisingly her parents say that they are really proud of her as she picked to work on the Muslim booth and respects her culture. She enjoys the rainbow fair with her family and also introduces Anna to her parents. After this huge enjoyment she feels really proud about being Muslim and also starts to learn a lot of new things from Anna and her parents, to dive more deeper into her culture.
December 19, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. Sophie knows she is Muslim and Chinese yet doesn’t really understand about being Muslim since her family doesn’t practice it. Her middle school has a Rainbow Fair, which showcases the various cultures at her school. She wants to do the Chinese booth with her friend Katie but does the Muslim booth instead. She meets other kids at school that are Muslim and learns more about the culture. I do wish she’d gotten bold and told her parents about the Muslim booth but she thought her parents would be mad at her for not doing the Chinese booth. Her parents are happy for her regardless when they goto the fair. The kids have a blast doing the other booths and not just staying with their own booth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
Sophie is the only Muslim student in her grade at school. Her teacher hears that she's Muslim, and puts Sophie in charge of a new Muslim booth at the school's Rainbow fair that celebrates different cultures. Sophie is torn. Her parents expect her to work on the Chinese booth, as she always has, with her best friend Katie.
Sophie struggles to figure out how to balance working on both booths, her changing friendship with Katie, and figuring out what being Muslim means to her.
This was a book I couldn't put down. It will speak to middle grades readers who are exploring who they are, navigating changing friendships, and both seeking distance from parents and wanting to still be close to parents..
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
Sophie struggles to figure out how to balance working on both booths, her changing friendship with Katie, and figuring out what being Muslim means to her.
This was a book I couldn't put down. It will speak to middle grades readers who are exploring who they are, navigating changing friendships, and both seeking distance from parents and wanting to still be close to parents..
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
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April 7, 2025This is such a great look at kids exploring their cultures and making new friends in the process.
I really enjoyed learning about Sophie being Muslim and Chinese. I liked watching her come out if her shell and stand up for herself and her cultures and stand up for get friends.
There is a look at assumptions within cultures and friends having to apologize. But this is a good representation of what some people ultimately do. They assume that just because someone is of a certain culture that they are going to do the bad things that one person from that culture may have done.
A great middle grade look at cultures and friendship and how they shape you.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.
I really enjoyed learning about Sophie being Muslim and Chinese. I liked watching her come out if her shell and stand up for herself and her cultures and stand up for get friends.
There is a look at assumptions within cultures and friends having to apologize. But this is a good representation of what some people ultimately do. They assume that just because someone is of a certain culture that they are going to do the bad things that one person from that culture may have done.
A great middle grade look at cultures and friendship and how they shape you.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.
May 11, 2025
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from Rainbow Fair by Diana Ma when I read the synopsis. But once I started it, I was sucked into a beautiful story about friendship, cultural identity, family pride, and being comfortable in who you are. Sophie has many tricks to avoid eating pork, hotdogs, pepperoni pizza, etc., but she’s never been honest with her best friend Katie on the reasons why. Forced into running the school’s new Muslim booth at the Rainbow Fair, Sophie finally is able to learn more about her family, where they come from, and their religion, as well as good friends are worth more than anything.
April 24, 2025
Rainbow Fair by Diana Ma is a vibrant and emotionally honest middle-grade novel that explores identity, faith, and belonging through the lens of Sophie Mu, a Chinese and Muslim American girl whose story is both deeply personal and refreshingly underrepresented in children's literature. In a world where there are still so few books about girls who share Sophie's dual heritage, Diana Ma offers a narrative that feels both groundbreaking and necessary. Rainbow Fair is a story that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.
August 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Childrens for the advance electronic copy of this title.
This book is an excellent introduction to intersectionality for middle schoolers. Sophie is trying to figure out where she fits in. She's Chinese, but also Muslim. Her school's cultural fair is coming, and she's supposed to decide what booth represents her. What if there's more than one? And is it just her, or are her friends experiencing something similar?
A really fun book about what multicultural should mean.
This book is an excellent introduction to intersectionality for middle schoolers. Sophie is trying to figure out where she fits in. She's Chinese, but also Muslim. Her school's cultural fair is coming, and she's supposed to decide what booth represents her. What if there's more than one? And is it just her, or are her friends experiencing something similar?
A really fun book about what multicultural should mean.
September 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book.
Diana Ma had a huge task of many intersections in this novel, but does it in a cheerful way. Not looking "Muslim" enough is a very real stereotype that, sigh, weighs heavy on many Americans who hold that identity (let alone considering an ethnicity that isn't portrayed at all in media, but I digress, we usually aren't portrayed well). Her allyship is endearing and things like the never-ending battle with pork were relatable and funny.
Diana Ma had a huge task of many intersections in this novel, but does it in a cheerful way. Not looking "Muslim" enough is a very real stereotype that, sigh, weighs heavy on many Americans who hold that identity (let alone considering an ethnicity that isn't portrayed at all in media, but I digress, we usually aren't portrayed well). Her allyship is endearing and things like the never-ending battle with pork were relatable and funny.
December 10, 2025
Sophie is proud to be Chinese and she know that she's Muslim, but not what that means. Unfortunately for her, a teacher finds out that she's Muslim and assigns her to run the Muslim booth at the school's culture fair. From that moment the poor girl has to balance not telling her parents, her friendship, and her own thoughts. Definitely a great book that shows how no one can be placed just in one box.
June 15, 2025
I thought this book was really cute! It was a great middle grade read about figuring out your identity and how complex that can be. My one critique is that I didn't think the kids in this book talked like kids in real life. But it was enjoyable nonetheless and I think a lot of kids in middle school may relate to this exploration of identity. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
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May 18, 2025This is really really precious omg. At times ..interesting politically lmao but it’s a kids book after all. My ONE question is why middle grade books always have to be so dramatic…like can’t we all get along😭😭😭
June 20, 2025
This is exactly the kind of heart-warming book I want on my kids’ bookshelves. It’s so important to teach kids that they don’t have to fit in a neat little box. The Rainbow Fair was an amazing celebration of diversity
April 21, 2025
3.5-3.75/5
August 15, 2025
Full review to come ☺️
September 23, 2025
This was darling! A wonderful little snapshot of one twelve year old learning about what it means for her to be Hui, and also exploring intersectionality at her middle school's culture fair.
December 2, 2025
DNF for Rainbow Fair--just wasn't quite grabbing my attention.
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