“A Chinese American tween living outside of New York City, grapples with cultural identity in Yu’s heartening debut. Ten-year-old Ping-Ping is tired of her grandmother lamenting the fact that she’s “so” American…. Ping-Ping’s bravery and self-awareness, relayed via inviting prose, immediately endears her to the audience. Empathetic portrayals of the protagonist’s stern yet supportive family inject warmth into a story that will empower readers (Ages 8–12) to stay true to themselves.”

Publisher’s Weekly

“Ping-Ping’s family is no stranger to big moves…. her father’s job with the United Nations has the family traveling the world each summer…. Through it all, Ping-Ping’s experiences are anchored by empathetic parents and supportive friends who validate her feelings. Short chapters move the plot along briskly, briefly integrating other relatably funny or frustrating minor conflicts…. Ping-Ping’s strength and thoughtfulness when navigating microaggressions based on race and gender will especially resonate with readers who share her background; her humor and tenacity will win over all.”

French Fry’s protagonist Ping-Ping is filled with pizzazz, delighting and inspiring with her zest for life, even through the trials of growing up. Reminiscent of the adventures of Ramona Quimby, Ping also offers an illuminating view as a second generation American who navigates honoring her Chinese roots with her life in the suburbs of New York City. Whether Ping-Ping is making errors but persisting during piano (“Just keep going” she tells herself), complaining about  pesky Lee Beaumont classmate–the one who calls her French Fry–or burning ghost money for her ancestors, her plucky, bright spirit is admirable and relatable for any aged reader.