About
The Book
“A sparkling debut novel about a courageous girl who’s ready to show the world her strength!”
Ping-Ping has a lot going on as an American-born Chinese: She’s “more American” than people realize, but not “Chinese enough” for her relatives. She’s tired of people questioning her name, and at school pesky Lee Beaumont taunts her daily by calling her “French Fry” because of the tofu sticks she eats at lunch. She thinks she needs glasses but is worried her parents will be mad since they warned her about reading in the dark. On top of all that, Ping-Ping’s family might have to relocate to Kenya for her dad’s UN job. What’s a girl to do when her life is going astray? Well, good thing Ping-Ping takes taekwondo – she’s learning how to kick her frustrations away and take things in stride. This warm, funny family story will have kids cheering for Ping-Ping as she finds joy and comfort in her family and friends and grows strong enough to give some things – and some people – a second chance.
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Book Details
- Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
- Publication date: February 17, 2026
- Language: English
- Print length192 pages
- ISBN-10: 0593858085
- ISBN-13: 978-0593858080
- Reading age: 8-12 years
- Grade level: 3-7
- Hardcover weight: 1.25 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.47 x 8.25 inches
Audio version
- Narrated by: Kailin Bateson
- Publisher: Listening Library
- Audio Length: 4 Hours
- ASIN: B0F9R4LPMB
Where to Buy
Hardcover • eBook • Audio





