Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Asian American boy fights racism during COVID-19 pandemic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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 :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( 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, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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