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Juvenile Fiction. Juvenile Literature. HTML:"I can't wait for readers to explore Hong Kong with Holly-Mei. I have no doubt they will love both as much as I did." �Erin Entrada Kelly, 2018 Newbery Medalist and 2021 Newbery Honoree Packed with humor and heart, this debut middle grade series follows a girl finding her place in a brand-new world of private school and frenemies when her family moves to Hong Kong. Holly-Mei Jones couldn't be more excited about moving to Hong Kong for her mother's job. Her new school is right on the beach and her family's apartment is beyond beautiful. Everything is going to be perfect . . . right? Maybe not. It feels like everywhere she turns, there are new rules to follow and expectations to meet. On top of that, the most popular girl in her grade is quickly becoming a frenemy. And without the guidance of her loving Ah-ma, who stayed behind in Toronto, Holly-Mei just can't seem to get it right. It will take all of Holly-Mei's determination and sparkle (and maybe even a tiny bit of stubbornness) to get through seventh grade and turn her life in Hong Kong into the ultimate adventure!.… (more)
Local notes
Grades 4-7 - Twelve-year-old Holly-Mei’s social life is suffering when her mom announces her big promotion, which means relocating their family from Toronto to Hong Kong for two years. While her younger sister, Millie, grapples with uprooting her life, Holly-Mei envisions a clean slate. But her mom’s advancement up the corporate ladder means more than just a flat overlooking the sea and enrollment in the top private school; it means making connections (guanxi) and keeping up their reputation with Hong Kong’s elite. So it probably doesn’t bode well to inadvertently piss off the queen bee and daughter of the influential PTA chair. The first in Matula’s debut middle-grade series is a whirlwind of new experiences for readers as mixed-race Holly-Mei (Taiwanese and British) finally sees herself reflected in her environment but strains against newfound societal expectations. Although the family’s clear privilege at times makes it difficult to empathize with them, the fusion of Mean Girls and a kid’s version of Crazy Rich Asians will have readers returning. A glossary of Chinese terms and recipes are a welcome addition.