What's Eating Jackie Oh?

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling to define their own identity against the backdrop of a high-achieving family or cultural expectations. It is a perfect fit for the child who feels like the 'black sheep' because their passions do not align with the traditional paths of their siblings or peers. The story follows Jackie, a Korean American teen who loves cooking, as she competes on a national junior chef show while navigating the pressure to be as 'perfect' as her high-achieving brother. You might choose this for a teen experiencing performance anxiety or those navigating the complexities of second-generation immigrant life. It tackles emotional themes of self-worth, the courage to stand up for one's own dreams, and the messy reality of family dynamics. Jackie's journey is a realistic look at how we can love our families while still needing to set boundaries to protect our own mental health and creative spirits.