Tag Archives: Taiwanese Americans

Elem./MG – Unhappy Camper

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LaMotte, Lily. Unhappy Camper. HarperAlley, 2024. 978-0-062-97389-4. $12.99. 204 p. Grades 4-8.

Claire and Michelle are sisters and while they used to be close as they have gotten older they have drifted apart. As both sisters start to form their own identity, Michelle becomes more interested in fitting in with the “popular” girls at school, and seemingly ignoring her heritage, while Claire seems to embrace her Taiwanese-American heritage. When their parents tell them that they will both be attending the Taiwanese-American summer camp where Claire is a junior camp counselor, Michelle is less than enthused. It is bound to be a summer of learning for both girls.

THOUGHTS: This graphic novel did a really great job of showing how difficult it can be for those that are multicultural to accept and live out all the different pieces of themselves, especially when it goes against the norms of what is “cool,” and you are trying to fit in. It is a really accessible text for upper elementary school students as well as middle schoolers. 

Graphic Novel
Realistic Fiction

YA – A Taste for Love

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Yen, Jennifer. A Taste for Love. Razorbill, 2021. 978-0-593-11752-1. 304 p. $17.99. Grades 9-12.

Liza is a free-spirited, Taiwanese-American teen who likes to rebel against her mother’s wishes. With a “perfect” older sister off following her dreams and a meddling mother always on Liza’s case, she doesn’t have to try too hard to go against her mother’s wishes. And dating unsuitable boys has been number one on Liza’s list. Mrs. Yang, co-owner of the Yin and Yang restaurant and bakery with her chef husband, has a plan to get Liza on the right path. Using Liza’s love of and skill for baking, Mrs. Yang convinces her to serve as a guest judge in the bakery’s annual junior competition (think Great British Baking Show). It doesn’t take long for Liza to recognize that she’s been set up by her mother. Not only is each contestant male, each also is Asian American. What follows is a fun battle between mother and daughter, as Liza also fights her feelings for one contestant specifically. Mothers might know best, but Liza is her own person, and she won’t give up easily.

THOUGHTS: As a fan of The Great British Baking Show, I adored this sweet romance. Filled with delicious descriptions, readers will be rooting for Liza from the beginning. Pairs well with other YA “food titles” such as A Pho Love Story, The Way You Make Me Feel, and so many others (just google it!). Highly recommended for middle and high school libraries looking to add representation to their romance sections.

Romance          Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD