About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major transition, particularly one that involves moving or feeling like an outsider within their own cultural heritage. It is a heartfelt graphic memoir about Ruth, a girl who is uprooted from her comfortable life in Toronto and moved to Hong Kong, where she struggles with language barriers, harder school standards, and a deep sense of isolation. Through the lens of her family's history, Ruth learns about resilience and how to build a new sense of home. It is an excellent choice for children aged 8 to 12 who are navigating the complexities of identity, the grief of leaving friends behind, and the challenge of fitting into a world that feels both familiar and foreign. It provides a roadmap for finding strength in one's roots even when the soil is new.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book depicts Ruth's feelings of isolation and loneliness as she struggles to adjust to a new school and culture. It addresses the 'imposter syndrome' of feeling disconnected from her heritage despite her appearance. The approach is direct and secular, with a realistic and ultimately hopeful resolution as Ruth begins to make friends and find her footing.
