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Bubble Trouble
Award-winning author Wendy Wan-Long Shang brews a frothy and bright story, filled with humor and heart, about friendship, first crushes, and finding one’s own way in Bubble Trouble.
How many problems can a delicious cup of bubble tea cause? Plenty, if you’re Chloe Chen. For starters, Chloe wants to go on the class trip to Broadway -- an expense Chloe’s not sure she and her dad can afford since her mom passed away -- and those yummy cups of boba cost money. And then there’s the fact that the incorrigible Henry Lee is the bobamaster at Tea Palace, and when he’s not annoying Chloe, he’s usually coming up with the perfect drink for every occasion. For Chloe, lover of neatness and control, the arrival of bubble tea is nothing but trouble!
But bubble tea really wreaks havoc when Chloe finds herself banned from Tea Palace (for dumping boba on someone who really deserved it!). She comes up with the idea to make her own boba and sell it, with the help of her best friend Sabrina, her inventor dad and (whether she wants it or not) her rescue dog. Suddenly neatnik Chloe will have to contend with sticky drinks, the complications of running her own business and…maybe the messiness of admitting that she actually like-likes someone? Will Chloe be able to step out of the bubble she has built around herself and into an exciting new adventure to go along with her boba tea?
How many problems can a delicious cup of bubble tea cause? Plenty, if you’re Chloe Chen. For starters, Chloe wants to go on the class trip to Broadway -- an expense Chloe’s not sure she and her dad can afford since her mom passed away -- and those yummy cups of boba cost money. And then there’s the fact that the incorrigible Henry Lee is the bobamaster at Tea Palace, and when he’s not annoying Chloe, he’s usually coming up with the perfect drink for every occasion. For Chloe, lover of neatness and control, the arrival of bubble tea is nothing but trouble!
But bubble tea really wreaks havoc when Chloe finds herself banned from Tea Palace (for dumping boba on someone who really deserved it!). She comes up with the idea to make her own boba and sell it, with the help of her best friend Sabrina, her inventor dad and (whether she wants it or not) her rescue dog. Suddenly neatnik Chloe will have to contend with sticky drinks, the complications of running her own business and…maybe the messiness of admitting that she actually like-likes someone? Will Chloe be able to step out of the bubble she has built around herself and into an exciting new adventure to go along with her boba tea?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2023
20 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Wan-Long Shang
13 books132 followersMy parents, who grew up in China, had no favorite books from their childhood to share with me, which left me to my own devices in the library. When I mentioned this to a friend, she was a bit stunned, and I understood this reaction. I certainly never felt deprived as a child, but as a parent, it's hard to imagine not having that link.
My own book is about finding the stories we discover about our families and how we are changed by them. I hope my book inspires its readers to find the powerful stories, both great and small, in their own families.
My own book is about finding the stories we discover about our families and how we are changed by them. I hope my book inspires its readers to find the powerful stories, both great and small, in their own families.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 16, 2023
Chloe gets stressed when things get messy and out of order. As in, things like her school notebooks, her routines, her personal cleanliness, etc. So her anxiety goes into overdrive when her dad brings home a dog that sheds, she’s facing a notebook check with a strict teacher, and there’s a field trip to New York that Chloe needs to earn money for. And on top of it all, the most organized person in the world, who could surely guide Chloe through the tangles in her life, is no longer alive…
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September 16, 2023a fun, funny, feel-good but realistic story with recognizable incidents and familiar motifs celebrating the Asian immigrant experience. Chloe's mom passed away recently, and along with passive grief, she and her dad have to deal with a diminished financial situation. Chloe is an A-type student who gets topnotch marks with her color-coded notebooks and intensive preparation, but right now she can't afford to pay for a glass of bubble tea, let alone a trip to Broadway with her schoolmates. Her aunt is loud, loving, and the top real estate broker in town, her best friend is loyal and confident, her romantic interest works in the family business of the bubble tea place, and her new dog is a messy, drooling disaster. How will Chloe get to afford the trip to Broadway as she dreamed? With guts, emotional support from her family and friends, and the daring to try new things and reach some level of peace while others around her are led to healing too. This was an enjoyable comfort book to read
March 7, 2024
A fun exploration of a middle grades girl navigating friendships and earning money.
May 17, 2025
this book was such a cute little vibe!
April 12, 2023
E ARC provided by Edeleweiss Plus
Chloe Chen and her best friend Isabel Zhang are taking a drama class, and Chloe is not good withbeing creative under pressure, and struggles with improvisation. She loves plays, and really wants to take the class trip to New York City to see several musicals that the teacher, Mrs. Alamantia, is planning. The problem is that it costs a lot of money. Since her mother, a doctor, died of COVID, her father has quit his job developing medical devices so he can be home more, and spends his day trying to invent things. One of these things is a robotic dog trainer, and he has gotten Chloe a dog, Phineas, that he can use in his behavioral experiments. Chloe is very neat and organized, so doesn't care for the mess that a pet presents. She also doesn't like the way it makes the house feel different. Since her mother passed, she has dealt fairly well with things, but doesn't like change. She and Isabel go to a local bubble tea shop, and Chloe sees Henry, a boy from her theater class who claims that musicals are silly and unrealistic. He is very attentive, and gives her a bubble tea even after she buys an uninspired soda, since she didn't have enough money. Henry's Uncle Martin, the manager, isn't thrilled with the girl's exuberant ways, and admonishes them to be quiet. Chloe comes back for the peace and quiet when her new pet makes it hard to concentrate at home, but when she has an altercation with a classmate in the shop and dumps tea on her, she is banned from the shop. When her Auntie Sue comes to visit, her aunt is outraged that her neice would be banned, and goes to talk to Uncle Martin. It turns out that the two have quite a past, and Auntie Sue storms out. The two decide to make their own boba tea, and Sue buys many extra ingredients. Chloe is trying to earn money to go on the trip, and her friend Sabrina, whose parents have a restaurant, suggests that Chleo make and sell bubble tea. This is successful, especially when Phineas comes along to help collect that empty mason jars in which the tea is served. Chloe's efforts come to the attention of a local news reporter who wants to interview her. Sabrina can't make it, but Henry once again shows up to save the day. Chloe makes enough money to go on the trip, and everything works out in a very happy way. She even comes to the realization that even though things will change now that her mother is gone, she will still have family and friends to help her through.
Strengths: *Sigh* I would have loved this one SO much as a tween, especially the exotic setting where there are shops within walking distance that serve bubble tea! Barring being able to get to one of those, I would have been pestering my mother to try to make our own popping boba (Chemicals! And cooking!). There's just the right amount of sadness over the mother's death; the characters aren't happily moving on, but they are continuing to live their lives. This is a hard balance to achieve. Chloe does have a support network with Auntie Sue and her friends. I was particularly enthralled with the whole school notebook check; I always assigned one of these to encourage students to be organized, but I certainly didn't grade them this hard. Those small school details bring a lot of opportunities for students to connect to the character. Chloe's desire to earn her own way and not burder her father was admirable. Of course, the best part was Chloe's budding relationship with Henry. This was also done well; they don't know each other well and disagree at first, but he is kind and friendly, and they eventually learn to work well together and then have some sweet, light romantic moments. This book made my entire day!
Weaknesses: This was the second book this week I've read where a parent died of COVID, the other being Korman's Mixed Up. At least this is a balanced and resilient look at how people deal with death, rather than the wallow fest most books embrace. People die, and in the words of Robert Frost, “In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.” Wallowing is just not an option for many people.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing this one and highly recommend it! Shang has a note at the end about how much fun it was to write a rom com-- I hope that she writes many more, because this is JUST the sort of thing my readers want! Ms. Shang and I bonded over the work of R.R. Knudsen at a conference, and I would LOVE it if she could do a similar book with characters who play volleyball! Of course, the downside of reading this is that I now desperately want to find some boba. I feel like I would enjoy the texture of the tapioca bubbles! There are a few places in central Ohio, so I'll have to do my research. Maybe this summer!
Chloe Chen and her best friend Isabel Zhang are taking a drama class, and Chloe is not good withbeing creative under pressure, and struggles with improvisation. She loves plays, and really wants to take the class trip to New York City to see several musicals that the teacher, Mrs. Alamantia, is planning. The problem is that it costs a lot of money. Since her mother, a doctor, died of COVID, her father has quit his job developing medical devices so he can be home more, and spends his day trying to invent things. One of these things is a robotic dog trainer, and he has gotten Chloe a dog, Phineas, that he can use in his behavioral experiments. Chloe is very neat and organized, so doesn't care for the mess that a pet presents. She also doesn't like the way it makes the house feel different. Since her mother passed, she has dealt fairly well with things, but doesn't like change. She and Isabel go to a local bubble tea shop, and Chloe sees Henry, a boy from her theater class who claims that musicals are silly and unrealistic. He is very attentive, and gives her a bubble tea even after she buys an uninspired soda, since she didn't have enough money. Henry's Uncle Martin, the manager, isn't thrilled with the girl's exuberant ways, and admonishes them to be quiet. Chloe comes back for the peace and quiet when her new pet makes it hard to concentrate at home, but when she has an altercation with a classmate in the shop and dumps tea on her, she is banned from the shop. When her Auntie Sue comes to visit, her aunt is outraged that her neice would be banned, and goes to talk to Uncle Martin. It turns out that the two have quite a past, and Auntie Sue storms out. The two decide to make their own boba tea, and Sue buys many extra ingredients. Chloe is trying to earn money to go on the trip, and her friend Sabrina, whose parents have a restaurant, suggests that Chleo make and sell bubble tea. This is successful, especially when Phineas comes along to help collect that empty mason jars in which the tea is served. Chloe's efforts come to the attention of a local news reporter who wants to interview her. Sabrina can't make it, but Henry once again shows up to save the day. Chloe makes enough money to go on the trip, and everything works out in a very happy way. She even comes to the realization that even though things will change now that her mother is gone, she will still have family and friends to help her through.
Strengths: *Sigh* I would have loved this one SO much as a tween, especially the exotic setting where there are shops within walking distance that serve bubble tea! Barring being able to get to one of those, I would have been pestering my mother to try to make our own popping boba (Chemicals! And cooking!). There's just the right amount of sadness over the mother's death; the characters aren't happily moving on, but they are continuing to live their lives. This is a hard balance to achieve. Chloe does have a support network with Auntie Sue and her friends. I was particularly enthralled with the whole school notebook check; I always assigned one of these to encourage students to be organized, but I certainly didn't grade them this hard. Those small school details bring a lot of opportunities for students to connect to the character. Chloe's desire to earn her own way and not burder her father was admirable. Of course, the best part was Chloe's budding relationship with Henry. This was also done well; they don't know each other well and disagree at first, but he is kind and friendly, and they eventually learn to work well together and then have some sweet, light romantic moments. This book made my entire day!
Weaknesses: This was the second book this week I've read where a parent died of COVID, the other being Korman's Mixed Up. At least this is a balanced and resilient look at how people deal with death, rather than the wallow fest most books embrace. People die, and in the words of Robert Frost, “In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.” Wallowing is just not an option for many people.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing this one and highly recommend it! Shang has a note at the end about how much fun it was to write a rom com-- I hope that she writes many more, because this is JUST the sort of thing my readers want! Ms. Shang and I bonded over the work of R.R. Knudsen at a conference, and I would LOVE it if she could do a similar book with characters who play volleyball! Of course, the downside of reading this is that I now desperately want to find some boba. I feel like I would enjoy the texture of the tapioca bubbles! There are a few places in central Ohio, so I'll have to do my research. Maybe this summer!
June 1, 2023
adorable! I want to give this book a big hug!
Chloe is a very well-realized protagonist. She has a strong but relatable personality. And what a fun, adventurous book! I wasn't expecting so much drama - but it was all smartly paced and delightful! My only real critique is that all of the many plot points didn't always flow together super well, but it's so sweet and fun that it's not really a bother <3
The little romance on the side is very cute and tasteful too - so bubbly! I really like the best friend Sabrina as well. She's a great friend, always supportive of Chloe. I appreciated that there wasn't any sort of shoehorned-in reason to make them fight. They felt natural together.
The actual boba focus on the story was a cute addition. I loved Chloe's little take on the boba stand, which I won't spoil for y'all :)
Very heartwarming, inventive, and sweet! Recommend !!
Chloe is a very well-realized protagonist. She has a strong but relatable personality. And what a fun, adventurous book! I wasn't expecting so much drama - but it was all smartly paced and delightful! My only real critique is that all of the many plot points didn't always flow together super well, but it's so sweet and fun that it's not really a bother <3
The little romance on the side is very cute and tasteful too - so bubbly! I really like the best friend Sabrina as well. She's a great friend, always supportive of Chloe. I appreciated that there wasn't any sort of shoehorned-in reason to make them fight. They felt natural together.
The actual boba focus on the story was a cute addition. I loved Chloe's little take on the boba stand, which I won't spoil for y'all :)
Very heartwarming, inventive, and sweet! Recommend !!
July 16, 2023
On the surface this is a cute fun read about boba tea and the start of a sweet romance. There is a lot more to unpack here, especially about Chloe's obsession with order which seems to have become more extreme since her mom died. Middle schoolers will relate to the many different pressures that they face both at school and at home. Beware though, you will need to go get a boba during or after reading. And maybe see a Broadway musical too. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
November 20, 2023
Chloe wants to go on the class trip to Broadway but doesn’t want to burden her Dad by asking for the money. It’s just Chloe and her Dad now and he quit his job to become a full-time work-from-home inventor. Which doesn’t appear to bring in a lot of money. After she gets banned from her favorite boba cafe, she decides to try her hand at making her own. Her best friend encourages her to try selling her boba to earn the money she needs for the class trip. Though this reads like a rom-com – especially when Chloe starts noticing Henry at the boba cafe – it’s also a story of resilience and family.
July 27, 2023
Such a sweet middle grade book about friendship, creative ways of earning money for a goal, and - mostly - BOBA! =)
There are some deeper topics in the story but the book remains light because of the writing - and lots of our kids need this lightness and joy right now, so I liked that.
- - - - -
"Sometimes a person can get so busy making sure things don't happen that they don't let a
marvelous mess happen, either."
There are some deeper topics in the story but the book remains light because of the writing - and lots of our kids need this lightness and joy right now, so I liked that.
- - - - -
"Sometimes a person can get so busy making sure things don't happen that they don't let a
marvelous mess happen, either."
July 28, 2023
Seriously cute!!!!
It was a bit chaotic, there were several different aspects to the story, but it blended well. I think the chaos was essential to tell the story of Chloe.
And I really approve the non toxic relationships in this. Too often I see boys being total jerks in novels and that's just not a good message for young readers.
Very short and totally worth the read
It was a bit chaotic, there were several different aspects to the story, but it blended well. I think the chaos was essential to tell the story of Chloe.
And I really approve the non toxic relationships in this. Too often I see boys being total jerks in novels and that's just not a good message for young readers.
Very short and totally worth the read
October 8, 2023
How does Boba help you figure everything out? Chloe deals with anxiety and grief in this Boba story. Her ER doc mother passed away during the pandemic and she, her dad, her aunt are all picking up the shards of their hearts as they figure out a new normal.
Chloe navigates friend drama, a crush, keeping her grades up, worrying about money after losing her mom, and more in this great little book!
Chloe navigates friend drama, a crush, keeping her grades up, worrying about money after losing her mom, and more in this great little book!
August 6, 2023
Book #93/2023. This is the first I've read from this author. Such a quick and fun read. Chloe really wants to join her theater group and go on the Broadway trip, but has some financial trouble. She tries to earn money and and also tries Boba tea for the first time. Great characters!
August 26, 2023
A cute story with great characters and an engaging plot filled with lots of life lessons about navigating middle school issues, friendships, and first crushes. A good addition to the middle school library.
August 28, 2023
Cute story about a girl who learns to make homemade boba tea in order to make the money to go on her class trip to see a Broadway show. The only sad part deals with Chloe losing her mom to Covid, a storyline I haven't seen much.
August 22, 2023
3.75 stars
September 8, 2023
This was cute - it feels shorter than it actually is, but I empathize and enjoyed seeing Chloe overcome her anxieties.
October 24, 2023
This wasn't super remarkable to me, but it was a cute sweet middle grade pick
I got an ARC of this from ALA
I got an ARC of this from ALA
November 28, 2023
Relatable, moving, funny and messy, this book will make you crave bubble tea, appreciate supportive friends, and see how extended family navigates new connections after a loss.
February 6, 2024
This was an enjoyable and heartwarming story to read. I loved the diversity.
February 23, 2024
This book was GREAT! loved how there was a little bit of romance.
June 8, 2024
As sweet as strawberry milk tea with peach popping boba. 🧋
August 20, 2024
Cute, but some scenes were super obvious that a middle schooler didn’t actually write them, which made the book a little bland.
September 26, 2024
It was ok just a bit too babyish for me. I only read it because I had free time and the book was right in front of me.
November 18, 2024
Realistic fiction for tweens
January 23, 2025
A good story of a young girl learning to deal with the loss of her mother through friends and as the title suggests, bubble tea.
June 19, 2025
I am not even done with half of the book and look I already rated it a 5 star book wow and it is really hard for me to rate a book that high I have only rated one book a 5 star wow
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2025
Such a good book
May 2, 2023
Binged in 2 days, and had a strong craving for bubble tea afterwards. An incredibly fun, cute read!
February 2, 2024
📖Bubble Trouble By Wendy Wan-Long Shang📖
⭐Chloe's mother passed away with COVID, as she was a Nurse. Chole is a very organized student. She likes her notebooks, room, and lots more in perfect shape. Then, one day in Drama class Mrs. Alamantia announces a class trip to New York, to see several musicals. Chloe is not sure her and her dad can afford it, as her father quit his job to stay home and build mechanical robots and trying to invent things. He got Chloe a dog, and his name in Phineas. All of a sudden, one of Chloe's teachers tells the class there is going to be notebook check. She gets scared because normally these are very hard. Phineas slobbers on her notebook. She is so worried. The next day, he is checking them. Her and her friend Sabrina go to a Bubble Tea shop, and Chloe forgot her money, and she only has enough in her pocket for something from the vending machine. She see's Henry from her drama class working there. His Uncle Martin, is not pleased with Chloe. He is not pleased with her because she dumps Bubble Tea on a classmate. When Auntie Sue comes to town, she finds out her niece was banned she is outraged, so she goes to take to Uncle Martin. Auntie Sue has a conversation with him. Then, she decides to buy Chloe her own ingredients to make Bubble Tea. Sabrina suggests that they should sell Bubble Tea. She goes to the Football Field on game night. She has the idea to use Phineas to collect jars. Sabrina gets sick and can't come to the game night and the Bubble Tea selling night. Will she raise enough money for the Broadway trip..??⭐
💖I really enjoyed this book!! My favourite part of the story, was when Chloe thought of the idea to start the Bubble Tea business, because it's a way for her to earn money.💖
🥇This book was AMAZING!! I loved reading this!!🥇
-𝓓𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓵𝓪𝓱
⭐Chloe's mother passed away with COVID, as she was a Nurse. Chole is a very organized student. She likes her notebooks, room, and lots more in perfect shape. Then, one day in Drama class Mrs. Alamantia announces a class trip to New York, to see several musicals. Chloe is not sure her and her dad can afford it, as her father quit his job to stay home and build mechanical robots and trying to invent things. He got Chloe a dog, and his name in Phineas. All of a sudden, one of Chloe's teachers tells the class there is going to be notebook check. She gets scared because normally these are very hard. Phineas slobbers on her notebook. She is so worried. The next day, he is checking them. Her and her friend Sabrina go to a Bubble Tea shop, and Chloe forgot her money, and she only has enough in her pocket for something from the vending machine. She see's Henry from her drama class working there. His Uncle Martin, is not pleased with Chloe. He is not pleased with her because she dumps Bubble Tea on a classmate. When Auntie Sue comes to town, she finds out her niece was banned she is outraged, so she goes to take to Uncle Martin. Auntie Sue has a conversation with him. Then, she decides to buy Chloe her own ingredients to make Bubble Tea. Sabrina suggests that they should sell Bubble Tea. She goes to the Football Field on game night. She has the idea to use Phineas to collect jars. Sabrina gets sick and can't come to the game night and the Bubble Tea selling night. Will she raise enough money for the Broadway trip..??⭐
💖I really enjoyed this book!! My favourite part of the story, was when Chloe thought of the idea to start the Bubble Tea business, because it's a way for her to earn money.💖
🥇This book was AMAZING!! I loved reading this!!🥇
-𝓓𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓵𝓪𝓱
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews