This award-winning book is contemporary fiction that feels completely grounded in reality. Everything the protagonist, Maizy, does seems completely plausible for her age and situation. Maizy has the right mix of spunk and compassion, and the reader learns with her as she discovers her family roots in an unlikely town in Minnesota. The format is mainly linear with occasional chapters interspersed where the grandfather tells the story of their first Chinese family member and his descendants in America. For young readers who might find chapter books intimidating, never fear because there is rarely a chapter longer than four pages.

Ultimately, this is a positive and affirming book with themes around family, discrimination, and connections. Oh, and be prepared to be very, very hungry as you read this book. The descriptions of food are mouth-watering torturous!

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: 1 derogatory name (racial slur).

Violence/Gore: Report of death(s) in the construction of the railroad; report of man being beaten for his race/ethnicity; report of deaths in war; reports of arson; kids are seen bullying another kid (chasing, grabbing shirt); report of hospital turning away injured person because of their ethnicity, resulting in death.

Sex/Nudity: Older married couple show affection through kisses, embracing, etc.; daughter and mother briefly discuss how the girl’s father was a sperm donor and if she wants to meet him when she is older that would be her choice; girl gives a man permission to date her mother and he says that he is married and has a husband.

Mature Subject Matter:

Racial prejudice and discrimination, arson, police corruption, vandalism, same-sex marriage (mention), false reporting, death of a family member, financial hardship, bullying, theft, treatment/discrimination of Asian individuals during WWII, hate crimes.

Drug/Alcohol Use:

Beer bottles found; teenagers are observed drinking and sneaking around.