Alterations
by Ray Xu (Author)
For fans of Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese and Svetlana Chmakova's Awkward, this funny yet poignant middle-grade coming-of-age story highlights the struggle of feeling invisible while yearning to be seen by all.
Kevin Lee is having a really bad week. Although he lives in a crowded Toronto apartment above the family's alterations and dry-cleaning store, he mostly goes unnoticed. School isn't exactly an oasis either--being one of the few Asian kids makes for some unwelcome attention. But when Kevin's class plans a trip to Thrill Planet, a spectacular theme park, will he finally have a chance to turn his life around, or will it just be another day for Kevin Lee?
Fans of middle school graphic novels exploring identity and self-esteem will appreciate the poignant yet humorous journey of finding one's place in the world, and readers who are looking for Asian representation in books will connect with Kevin's story of racism, bullying, and the immigrant experience. With its mix of family relationships, friendships, and a thrilling amusement park climax, this inspiring read is perfect for fans of humorous middle grade fiction with diverse characters overcoming obstacles.
Praise for Alterations
"A funny and heartfelt story that beautifully communicates the honest and awkward relationships we have with life and our immigrant parents." --Dan Santat, Caldecott Medal winner and creator of A First Time for Everything
"A busy, evocative slice of school life and the trials of a second-generation immigrant." --Kirkus
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Publishers Weekly
In 1990s Toronto, life for Chinese Canadian, comic book-loving middle schooler Kevin Lee is as tumultuous as the roller coaster at his favorite theme park, Thrill Planet. Kevin's father recently left the family, his mother works long hours as a tailor, and Popo, his grandmother, is "too loud, says weird things, and smells like old people." At school, Kevin hangs out with a group of boys known as "the Asians" and resents feeling invisible--until he becomes infamous as "Egg Boy" after bringing an egg dish to school for lunch. Even his crush seems to dislike him. Popo advises him to "take ownership" of the situation, but it's not as easy as simply claiming the name Egg Boy; it requires taking risks and being as brave as the characters in his favorite comic, Star Odysseys. A school trip to Thrill Planet is exactly the chance he needs. In this cathartic graphic novel debut, Xu renders Kevin and his family with lighthearted flair, depicting them as abundantly expressive characters who each sport giant specs. Much of the protagonists' charm stems from the fact that they all complain loudly (and legitimately) about their own plight while tending to one another's woes with humor and tenderness. Ages 8-12. (Jan.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JUV039250 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emigration & Immigration
JUV008110 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Humorous
Graphic novels
Self-realization
Cartoons and comics
