Uprooted

Though this isn’t a very ‘recent’ release, it is just the perfect time to share this book because the end of the school year often coincides with families relocating.

This graphic novel is about Ruth’s family moving from Toronto to Hong Kong. Readers from south-east Asia with find this book extra humorous for the cultural elements and it would be even better if you speak/read Cantonese. Adjusting after immigration is never easy and teenager Ruth has to navigate a new school, a different outlook on education, new friends, and extended family. Her mum, on the other hand, is nostalgic on being back to her homeland while Dad is gone for work days at a stretch, making it extra hard for poor Ruth.

Instead of being a heavy read, this is entertaining, and amusing and adolescents will find a direct connection with their thought process. Highly recommended for Grades 4 and above.