Andy is trying to figure out middle school while having his grandparents visiting from China. His neighbor and friend Cindy wants to dye their hair blonde but there isn't enough finisher for Andy's hair and his hair turns out to look blotchy orange. He gets a lab partner in science who is not very nice. And he is repeatedly exposed to racial micro-aggressions at school and in the world. There are other real challenges as Andy is trying to grow into himself.

When I find a middle grade novel set in my home state that takes me to actual places I've visited, I'm thrilled. This novel also gave me an inside look into Chinese culture and family life as Andy's family tried to be true to their culture, yet also embrace American life and try to "fit in." The foods prepared made me hungry every time.

I enjoyed how this author tackled coming of age issues for middle graders, friendship drama (changing relationships, making new friends, and trying to repair damaged ones), bullying, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, loss of loved ones, and more.

My favorite part of this book was the relationship between Andy and Jameel, especially when they both opened up to each other and showed vulnerability. My heart ached for Jameel as he kept so much inside and refused to show any weakness, and then cheered him on as he embraced change and trusting others.

Summary: Andy Zhou is a middle schooler who feels the pressure of social masking. Managing his cultural identity, he watches the tension between his father and grandfather who visits from Shanghai. At school, Andy learns to handle changes in relationship with his classmates as his best friend Cindy and new science partner, Jameel navigate their own personal discoveries. Andy struggles with finding his true self as he tries to fin into many roles: son, grandson, friend, student. Who is he really? Andy tries new things and after feeling out of step with a dance group he discovers his own path to art.

Youth Review: Imagine you're at school and you feel like you have to act a certain way to be accepted by others. Do you pretend to like things that you don't enjoy or hide your true feelings about something? That's an example of masking. I think everyone wants to be liked and included because social rejection hurts. But maybe the best way to make the world better is to find your own light and be kind to others as they find theirs too.
I really enjoyed this book. The past few years there have been many great stories that explore themes of identity, friendship, and the challenges identity formation with the added lens of cultural bias and expectations. This book specifically shows how masking can help kids blend in or feel safe, but how tiring that can be. I really enjoyed how Andy handled changes in relationships as he navigates his own personal discoveries. He does this by exploring new activities and meeting new people. Most importantly, Andy learns that he can respect his past and honor his own unique interests by creating a space where he can be himself.

Be yourself. Try new things if you are figuring that out. True connections with people happen when you let go of the need to fit in. Remember, it's always best to surround yourself with people who accept and appreciate the unique things that make you... you!

A note on Social Masking for kids my age: What is 'Masking"?
Social masking is like wearing a disguise over who you really are. It is a term used to describe the behavior of someone who hides their true thoughts, feelings, or characteristics in order to "fit in" or conform to expectations. People may "mask" for different reasons. Middle school is a place where social camouflage happens as kids want to be included and liked by peers.The pressure to meet expectations of teachers, family and friends can be hurtful. Knowing what this is can be a helpful tool.

Changes at school, at home and with friends have Andy asking who am I?
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Andy Zhou is a go-along to get-along kind of kid: he always does what’s expected of him, but lately there have been a lot of changes in his life. His grandparents are visiting from Shanghai, his best friend, Cindy, gets him to sign up for Movement with her then starts to drift away from him and his new science partner, Jameel is more foe than friend. When Andy’s anxiety gets out of control, he wonders which mask he wears is the real Andy.
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Fans of The Stars Beneath Our Feet will love this MG book by @jackcheng Andy is a sweet and sensitive child and the storyline about friends changing is so relatable. This title releases June 6.

CW: racism, microaggressions, anxiety, trichotillimania, bullying, parental death, anorexia