History we all remember

 

New From Here
By Kelly Yang
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (March 1, 2022)
Hardcover: 368 pages
ISBN-10: 1534488308
ISBN-13: 978-1534488304
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 3 - 7
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

When the coronavirus hits Hong Kong, ten-year-old Knox Wei-Evans’s mom makes the last-minute decision to move him and his siblings back to California, where they think they will be safe. Suddenly, Knox has two days to prepare for an international move—and for leaving his dad, who has to stay for work.

At his new school in California, Knox struggles with being the new kid. His classmates think that because he’s from Asia, he must have brought over the virus. At home, Mom just got fired and is panicking over the loss of health insurance, and Dad doesn’t even know when he’ll see them again, since the flights have been cancelled. And everyone struggles with Knox’s blurting-things-out problem.

As racism skyrockets during COVID-19, Knox tries to stand up to hate, while finding his place in his new country. Can you belong if you’re feared; can you protect if you’re new? And how do you keep a family together when you’re oceans apart? Sometimes when the world is spinning out of control, the best way to get through it is to embrace our own lovable uniqueness.

 My Thoughts:

We have been literally living history. The COVID pandemic was an event that will color people’s beliefs and actions for a long time.

 In this book, Yang uses her own family’s experience during the beginning months of the pandemic, having to relocate back to the US from Asia, and experiencing prejudice, job loss, etc.

 The story here focuses on middle child Knox, who has ADHD. His struggles are real, and he doubts himself and his worth constantly. His big brother is an outstanding student, and Knox constantly compares himself.

 As they are separated from their father, the three children must work together as they try to raise money to bring their father to join them. They face many challenges. They also face prejudice. Knox finds, though, that he is much happier in the US than he was in Hong Kong.

 I really enjoyed this story. The kids felt like real kids, and the situations reflect what was in the news two years ago. That Yang was willing to reexamine those emotions does us all a favor.

 There will be people who are offended by Yang’s portrayals of prejudicial treatment. They want to believe these things didn’t happen in America. But they did, and to deny that is its own form of prejudice. Just because it wasn’t your experience doesn’t mean it wasn’t anyone’s experience, and we would do well to remember that.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Kids argue. One runs away from home. Instances of prejudice. Dishonesty. Price gouging. Some people will be angry at Yang’s portrayal of racism, and the discussion the mother has with her children about it.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like very recent history, seeing kids adapt to new situations, learning about how people who are different from them experience the world.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts.