New From Here by Kelly Yang, 361 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2022. $18
Language: G; (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bullying, racist language).
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
10yo Knox Wei-Evans was living in Hong Kong with his family as the novel COVID-19 virus began to spread in China. Concerned for the family's health and safety, Knox's mom decides to take the children to their home in California. Knox doesn't get along well with his older brother 12yo Bowen, and he has had to leave his dad (who is his best friend) behind. Bowen hates middle school, and their younger sister Lea is having trouble making friends. Even Knox, who has a caring teacher, and a new friend, is facing racism as kids are targeting the Evans kids because they are Asian.
It isn't too soon for COVID-19 children's fiction. More a story about Knox who didn't know he had ADHD until he overheard his mother enrolling him in public school, than his brother and sister. I appreciated that Kelly Yang wrote from experience, not only the COVID-19 experience but also showed how the children face racism at school. Covid Tag was horrible. I can only imagine what Bowen was subjected to, as he kept what was going on at school to himself. We only got a glimpse at his track meets. With Knox as the central character, this is placed solidly in upper elementary, so l was a bit daunted by the page count, however, the chapters are short, making it more accessible. I believe that it would appeal to a middle school audience as well. Yang's Front Desk series is popular, I'm excited to recommend this as well. Knox's family is Asian
Lisa Librarian
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