About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler begins expressing feelings of inadequacy or 'cringe' while navigating their first crush. It is particularly resonant for children who feel they must maintain a perfect facade to be worthy of love or friendship. The story follows Jason Yao as he balances the high-pressure world of being a young professional chef at his family's motel with the terrifying reality of his first relationship with Mia Tang. While Jason appears successful, he is privately battling social anxiety and the lingering scars of past bullying. This is an excellent choice for parents looking to validate the messy, often embarrassing transition into adolescence while discussing the importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance. It handles themes of immigrant family work ethic and social status with Kelly Yang's signature humor and heart, making it appropriate for ages 8 to 12.
