GOODBYE, FRENCH FRY

A young girl navigates fifth grade with cheer and determination.

Ping-Ping’s family is no stranger to big moves. Long before Ping-Ping was born, her mother moved from China’s Anhui Province to Taiwan to the United States, where she met Ping-Ping’s father. Now, her father’s job with the United Nations has the family traveling the world each summer. Still, Ping-Ping is shocked to discover that her father’s upcoming promotion might result in the family relocating to Nairobi, Kenya. Worried that the move is financially motivated, Ping-Ping and her younger brother, Xy, find ways to make extra money. But new worries emerge: Can she take pride in her Chinese heritage and still be 100 percent American? Would her bully (who’s inexplicably saddled her with the nickname French Fry) leave her alone if she changed her name to Megan? Can she perfect the three-kick routine before her taekwondo belt test? Through it all, Ping-Ping’s experiences are anchored by empathetic parents and supportive friends who validate her feelings. Short chapters move the plot along briskly, briefly integrating other relatably funny or frustrating minor conflicts—Ping-Ping getting new glasses or commiserating with Xy over dry Thanksgiving turkey. Ping-Ping’s strength and thoughtfulness when navigating microaggressions based on race and gender will especially resonate with readers who share her background; her humor and tenacity will win over all.

A comforting coming-of-age tale that celebrates family and friendship.