New from Here
By Amanda Nojadera,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Asian American boy fights racism during COVID-19 pandemic.
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What's the Story?
As COVID-19 cases begin to rise in Hong Kong, 10-year-old Asian American Knox Wei-Evans' parents decide it would be best to move him and his two siblings to California. Unfortunately, Knox's dad must stay behind in Hong Kong for his job. Everyone thinks they'll be safe in California, but adjusting to life without Dad isn't easy for Knox. At school, he's supposed to say he's NEW FROM HERE, but his classmates think he's responsible for the virus because he's Asian. And at home, Mom's worried about their lack of health insurance and doesn't know when they'll see Dad again. Knox and his siblings decide it's up to them to reunite their family. As the Wei-Evans kids work together on Operation Dad Come Over, they'll learn more about each other and find ways to fight back against racism.
Is It Any Good?
Kelly Yang's thoughtful and timely tale tackles racism, separation, and the pandemic while highlighting the power of family, friendship, and kindness. Although some might be tired of COVID-19, readers will appreciate the siblings' creativity and resourcefulness as they try to find a way to reunite their family and will enjoy watching their relationship with each other grow. As New From Here progresses, kids will learn how to speak out against racism and come to understand the importance of perseverance, communication, and courage.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how New From Here deals with immigration, racism, and bullying. How do these issues affect the characters?
Talk about the various kinds of diversity in the novel. Why are diverse representations important in children's and young adult literature?
How do the characters demonstrate kindness, perseverance, compassion, communication, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author: Kelly Yang
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models , Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: March 1, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 368
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 21, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
Books with Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Characters
Books About Racism and Social Justice
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