At first I was so confused but once I get into it was pretty enjoyable!!

It's quick, funny and I like it. It's nothing special but it's pretty much what it says it'll be. Nothing more, nothing less.

Thirteen-year-old Phee has been attending the Summer Chinese Culture, Wellness, and Enrichment Experience camp since she was six years old, and this summer is going to be the best one yet. But, when she arrives at camp and discovers that her coveted Squad is going to be split into different groups this year, she is devastated. And that is just the beginning of the changes Phee will have to face. As the summer continues, Phee must navigate the feelings that come with unexpected people and situations, especially as crushes and rivalries find their way into the mix. The summer may not unfold as she initially wishes, but perhaps the ultimate outcome will be better than anything Phee could have ever expected.

This middle grade coming of age story is cleverly placed in the setting of a Chinese heritage immersion camp. All of the characters have some level of Chinese background, and their awareness of Chinese culture and language varies, as well. There is, of course, a level of angst that appears within the narrative due to the age of the protagonists, but this is amplified by the discomfort several characters feel at their disparate levels of familiarity with Chinese culture. This inclusion helps readers of all backgrounds recognize that challenges are faced by people due to a variety of reasons, even when they happen to identify with a similar cultural background.

The narrative moves smoothly, especially as it is told in the first person from Phee’s perspective. Phee’s emotions are palpable with each interaction, and readers will sympathize with many of the feelings she exhibits. Chinese language and cultural references appear throughout the narrative, which enhances the authenticity of the storytelling in general. These words and phrases are presented using western-styled lettering and accents to increase their accessibility to non-Chinese speaking audiences. Clear, focused, and straightforward, this novel will appeal to fans of contemporary fiction, especially stories with diverse subject matter and strong interpersonal relationships. This is an enjoyable addition to library collections for middle grade readers.

It took me a bit to get into this novel, but once I figured out who all the characters were (there are a lot for a middle grade novel to keep track of), I enjoyed my time at Chinese cultural camp. I loved the friendships, crushes, and character arc of Phee as she learned how to view others with an open mind. I learned so much about Chinese culture and have a new appreciation for adoptees--every chapter is packed with Chinese food, history, art, and more. I found the detailed sewing project descriptions made this story drag and think some of this could have been cut to keep the pacing better. I would enjoy reading a second book with these characters, possibly returning as counselors in training for the following summer camp.