For the child navigating what it means to be truly themselves amidst different expectations. This book explores identity, belonging, and the courage to show your true face.
Reach for this book when your child feels they have to be a different person for different groups and struggles to feel like their 'true' self. The story follows Andy Zhou, a 12-year-old Taiwanese American boy who wears different 'masks': for his family, his school friends, and his new crush. This heartfelt and humorous novel explores the complexities of identity, the pressures of middle school, and the courage it takes to integrate all the parts of who you are. Perfect for readers ages 9 to 12, it provides gentle representation and opens a valuable conversation about authenticity and belonging.
A sweet and innocent middle-school crush is a minor subplot.
Sensitive Topics
The book's primary theme is identity, focusing on cultural identity (Taiwanese American) and the social pressures of 'code-switching'. The approach is direct, secular, and character-driven. It addresses microaggressions and casual racism in a direct but gentle way. The resolution is hopeful and realistic, emphasizing self-acceptance and growth rather than a perfect, problem-free ending.
Ideal Reader
A child aged 10-12 who is beginning to feel the social pressure to fit in, especially one who feels they act differently at home versus at school. It's perfect for a 'code-switching' child from an immigrant family or any kid who feels they have to hide parts of their personality to be liked. Also great for creative kids who are hesitant to share their talents.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. However, parents may want to be prepared to discuss the scenes involving microaggressions (e.g., a classmate assuming Andy is Chinese). These moments offer a good opportunity to talk about cultural identity and how to respond when people make assumptions. A parent notices their child seems to have distinctly separate friend groups, or seems exhausted trying to keep up with social demands. The child might say something like, "My school friends just wouldn't get it," or hide a particular hobby or interest from their family.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will enjoy the humor, friendship dynamics, and the excitement of the vlogger contest. An older reader (11-12) will connect more deeply with the nuanced exploration of identity, the stress of social navigation, the budding crush, and the specific cultural details of Andy's family life.
What Makes It Special
The book's 'mask' metaphor is a uniquely concrete and accessible way to describe the common tween experience of trying on different identities. Unlike more generic stories about fitting in, it specifically and authentically portrays the 'code-switching' experience of a Taiwanese American boy, offering valuable representation while maintaining universal appeal.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old Andy Zhou navigates the social complexities of middle school by wearing different 'masks'. He's the dutiful son for his Taiwanese immigrant parents, the class clown for his friends, and a cool, confident version of himself for his crush, Jameel. When a city-wide contest launched by a popular vlogger gives him a chance to showcase his secret passion for art, his carefully separated worlds threaten to collide. Andy must figure out how to reconcile his different identities and find the courage to be himself.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Andy feels he needs to wear different 'masks' for his family, his friends, and Jameel. Do you ever feel like you act differently around certain people? Why do you think we do that?
2
When a classmate makes an incorrect assumption about Andy's heritage, Andy doesn't correct him right away. Why do you think he stayed quiet? What might you do in that situation?
3
Andy's passion is art, but he's nervous to share it with everyone. What is a passion or hobby you have? Does it feel easy or hard to share it with others?
4
By the end of the book, Andy starts to take off his masks. What do you think 'being your true self' really means? Does it mean you have to be the exact same person all the time?
