When their parents return to Taiwan, leaving her and her two older siblings in California on their own, Feng-Li must keep her family together as they all get tangled in a web of bad choices while navigating this strange new world. Simultaneous and eBook. Illustrations. - (Baker & Taylor)

ABA Indie BestsellerNational Book Award Longlist TitleAsian/Pacific American Award Honor Book4 Starred Reviews

This funny, fast-paced, and heartrending story about three siblings living on their own as undocumented new immigrants is perfect for fans of New Kid and Front Desk.

A DREAM TRIP TO AMERICA TURNS INTO A NIGHTMARE!

Feng-Li can't wait to discover America with her family! But after an action-packed vacation, her parents deliver shocking news: They are returning to Taiwan and leaving Feng-Li and her older siblings in California on their own.

Suddenly, the three kids must fend for themselves in a strange new world--and get along. Starting a new school, learning a new language, and trying to make new friends while managing a household is hard enough, but Bro and Sis's constant bickering makes everything worse. Thankfully, there are some hilarious moments to balance the stress and loneliness. But as tensions escalate--and all three kids get tangled in a web of bad choices--can Feng-Li keep her family together?

Betty C. Tang is the creator of the graphic novel Parachute Kids, a 2023 National Book Award Longlist selection and an instant Indie bestseller. She has also illustrated the New York Times bestselling Jacky Ha-Ha series of graphic novels by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein. Before becoming a fulltime graphic novelist, Betty worked for various Hollywood animation studios, including Disney TV and DreamWorks Animation, and codirected an animated feature called Where’s the Dragon? Betty is a fourth-degree black belt in aikido. She immigrated to California as a parachute kid when she was ten and currently lives in Los Angeles. Learn more at bettyctang.com. - (Scholastic)

Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* The term parachute kids refers to immigrant children who come to the U.S. while their parents stay behind in their home country. Inspired by New York Times best-selling illustrator Tang's own childhood experience, her latest graphic novel is about three siblings trying to make it on their own in America after their parents return to Taiwan. In 1981, 10-year-old Feng-Li is at first excited when her family visits California for vacation. Her older brother and sister (Bro and Sis) are as shocked as she is when their parents tell them that America is their new home. Only Sis speaks English, and all three suffer the isolation of a new culture and language—all without their parents. Tang tackles the emotional and logistical complexities that undocumented children face from the unique perspectives of three siblings ranging in age from 10 to 16. Sis deals with the stress of being the responsible one and taking her parents' place; meanwhile, Feng-Li struggles to make friends along with Bro, who is finding that his queer identity clashes with his Asian culture. They find strength in each other and eventually discover the joys of their new home and its promise of a better future. Tang's artwork clearly conveys the emotions of each scene, and readers will find this story hard to put down. Grades 4-9. Copyright 2023 Booklist Reviews.