For the child who feels different or wonders where they belong, this heartwarming chapter book celebrates individuality, friendship, and self-acceptance.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like they don't fit in, especially due to their name or cultural background. Ava Lin feels out of place at school when her name doesn't rhyme with her classmates' and her delicious Chinese lunch is called 'weird.' But with a little help from her family and a lot of her own creativity, Ava uses art to celebrate what makes her unique, turning her feelings of isolation into a point of connection. This gentle and humorous early chapter book is perfect for young readers ages 6-9. It beautifully models self-acceptance and provides a wonderful starting point for conversations about identity, kindness, and the joy of being one of a kind.
The book deals directly with childhood feelings of otherness related to cultural identity. The approach is gentle, realistic, and child-centric, focusing on Ava's internal feelings. It addresses mild microaggressions (related to her name and food) in a way that is accessible to young children. The resolution is entirely hopeful and empowering, as Ava finds a solution through her own agency and creativity. The context is secular.
Ideal Reader
A 6-to-8-year-old who has expressed feeling different or left out. It is particularly resonant for a child from an immigrant or minority background who has felt insecure about their name, their food, or their family's culture. It’s also an excellent book for building empathy in children who haven't had these specific experiences.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold without any special preparation. It naturally opens doors for conversation. A parent might want to be ready to share the story or meaning of their own child's name or talk positively about their family's favorite cultural foods to build on the book's themes. A parent has just heard their child say, 'Why is my name so weird?' or 'I don't want to bring this for lunch, the other kids will think it's gross.' The child might be hesitant to talk about their day or seem withdrawn after school.
Age Experience
A younger reader (6-7) will connect with the friendship story, the feelings of being left out, and the fun art project. They will grasp the core message that being different is okay. An older reader (8-9) will better understand the cultural nuances, recognize the subtle unkindness in the classmates' comments, and appreciate how Ava uses her creativity as a powerful form of self-expression and communication.
What Makes It Special
This book's strength lies in its specific, relatable focus on a child's name and lunch as the source of their feelings of otherness, two very common experiences for children from diverse backgrounds. Unlike some books that focus on the problem, this story gives its protagonist clear agency, using art as a tangible, inspiring tool for building bridges and self-confidence. It's a fantastic 'mirror' book that feels both authentic and empowering.
Read plot summary
Ava Lin starts a new school year feeling like she doesn't belong. Her two-syllable Chinese name doesn't fit into the class rhyming game, and a classmate makes a negative comment about the youtiao in her lunchbox. Feeling isolated, Ava turns to her passion: art. Encouraged by her family, who explain the beautiful meaning of her name, Ava creates a unique self-portrait project that incorporates all the things she loves. Through her art, she helps her classmates see her for who she is and learns to embrace being 'one of a kind.'
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When Ava felt sad that her name didn't rhyme, her mom told her that 'Lin' means 'forest.' What do you like most about your name? If you don't know what it means, we can look it up together.
2
A classmate called Ava's youtiao 'weird.' How do you think that made Ava feel? If you saw a food you had never seen before, what is a kind or curious way you could ask about it?
3
Ava used art to create a 'one of a kind' project about herself. If you were making an art project all about you, what colors, pictures, and special things would you include to show who you are?
4
At the end of the book, Ava feels happy to be one of a kind. What is something special about you that is all your own and makes you feel proud?
