Goodbye, French Fry

“A compelling and heartfelt exploration of identity, family, and friendship. . . . Inspired by her own childhood experiences growing up in the suburbs of New York City, Yu crafts a relatable first-person narrative exploring themes that will resonate with many readers facing cultural duality or questions of identity. There is plenty to root for as Ping-Ping navigates her journey of self-discovery through taekwondo, music, and the support of close friends and family.” —Booklist

“A Chinese American tween living in Queens, N.Y., grapples with cultural identity in Yu’s heartening debut. . . . Ping-Ping soon learns that, unlike her ability to kick her frustrations away in taekwondo or her affinity for always playing with perfect poise during piano practice, some things are out of her control. Ping-Ping’s bravery and self-awareness, relayed via inviting prose, immediately endears her to the audience. Empathetic portrayals of the protagonist’s stern yet supportive family inject warmth into a story that will empower readers to stay true to themselves.” —Publishers Weekly

“A young girl navigates fifth grade with cheer and determination. . . . 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’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.” —Kirkus Reviews