Christina Matula Libros

"I can't wait for readers to explore Hong Kong with Holly-Mei. I have no doubt they will love both as much as I did." --Erin Entrada Kelly, 2018 Newbery Medalist and 2021 Newbery Honoree Packed with humor and heart, this debut middle grade series follows a girl finding her place in a brand-new world of private school and frenemies when her family moves to Hong Kong. Holly-Mei Jones couldn't be more excited about moving to Hong Kong for her mother's job. Her new school is right on the beach and her family's apartment is beyond beautiful. Everything is going to be perfect . . . right? Maybe not. It feels like everywhere she turns, there are new rules to follow and expectations to meet. On top of that, the most popular girl in her grade is quickly becoming a frenemy. And without the guidance of her loving Ah-ma, who stayed behind in Toronto, Holly-Mei just can't seem to get it right. It will take all of Holly-Mei's determination and sparkle (and maybe even a tiny bit of stubbornness) to get through seventh grade and turn her life in Hong Kong into the ultimate adventure!

Desperate to keep her friend group together, Holly-Mei convinces them to compete as a team in an inter-school tournament across Hong Kong, but when she becomes obsessed with winning, she pushes them away

Celebrating the rich traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival and Sukkot, this book highlights themes of family, multicultural heritage, and the seasonal harvest. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to these vibrant fall festivals, making it an ideal choice for readers who appreciate cultural stories like Two New Years and The Very Best Sukkah.

A unique blend of traditional folklore and contemporary customs brings the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival to life. Two sisters and their grandmother celebrate a popular Chinese holiday with family. Their favorite part? Mooncakes, of course--along with Ah-ma's story of the ancient Chinese tale of Hou Yi, a brave young archer, and his wife, Chang'E. A long, long time ago, Hou Yi rescued the earth from the heat of ten suns. The Immortals rewarded him with a magic potion that could let him live in the sky with them forever. But when a thief tries to steal the potion, what will Chang'E do to keep it out of dangerous hands? The sisters are mesmerized by Ah-ma's retelling and the fact that the very mooncakes they enjoy each holiday are a symbol of this legend's bravest soul.

"Holly-Mei is caught in the middle. Holly-Mei Jones has finally settled into her new friend group in Hong Kong--that is until suddenly everyone starts talking about dating. Which Holly-Mei is not ready for. At least she has her school's Experience Week to look forward to. Holly-Mei can't wait to show off Taiwan, where her beloved Ah-Ma is from, to her friends. The trip is going to be perfect ... right? Maybe not. On top of the pressure to date, Holly-Mei starts to wonder if maybe being half-Taiwanese isn't enough. In the face of these big questions, will Holly-Mei be able to finally feel like she belongs?"--Provided by publisher.