About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the quiet, often invisible transitions of a family divorce or struggling to find their own place in a world that feels increasingly loud. It is a perfect choice for the pre-teen who prefers the sidelines but feels a growing need to define themselves on their own terms. The story follows nearly thirteen-year-old Melinda, a Chinese-American girl adopted as a baby, as she spends a transformative summer in New York City. Through a school project that forces her out of her comfort zone, Melinda explores the vibrant streets of Manhattan with a new friend and a gentle therapy dog. The book delicately balances themes of cultural identity, the shifting dynamics of a single-parent household, and the bravery required to share one's creative voice. It is a grounding, realistic read for the middle-school transition, offering a hopeful perspective on how new environments can lead to self-discovery.
