Krista and Jason have been best friends since preschool. It never mattered that he was a boy with reddish-brown hair and she was the “Korean girl” at school. Now in fifth grade, everyone in their class is preparing their Heritage Month projects. Jason has always loved Krista’s Korean family, and particularly their cooking, but Krista is conflicted about being her school’s “Korean Ambassador”. She’s also worried about asking her intimidating grandma to teach the class how to make their traditional kimbap dish. Combine that with her new friends pulling her away from Jason, and Krista has a lot to deal with this year!
Author Ahn writes authentically about the struggle of assimilation while maintaining cultural tradition... A sympathetic portrayal of a typical 11-year-old trying to fit in, with a bit of Korean flair.
– Kirkus Reviews
Exploring questions of friendship, beauty, culture, and race, this title hits on many topics that will ring true with readers just entering the middle school years. Ahn writes Krista's voice with the right touch of innocence and realism.
– School Library Journal
Ontario Library Association's Top Ten Best Bets | 2018 | Commended
Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award 2019-2020 | 2018 | Short-listed
Bank Street Best Books of the Year | 2019 | Commended
Chocolate Lily Award | 2020 | Short-listed
Red Cedar Award | 2020 | Short-listed
