Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming graphic memoir of a reluctant move to Hong Kong.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In UPROOTED: A MEMOIR ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR FAMILY MOVES BACK, Ruth is reluctantly moving to Hong Kong so that her mother can be closer to her family. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Ruth doesn't want to leave her home or her friends for a strange country she's only visited once as a young child. With her only brother attending a boarding school and her father gone for work weeks at a time, Ruth finds herself in a strange city where she doesn't speak the language, doesn't know anyone, and has only her busy mother for companionship. On his rare trips home, Ruth's father shares stories of his own family's courage during the difficult times of his childhood, leading Ruth to wonder if she is strong enough to make this new city her home.
Is It Any Good?
The story is interesting and reassuring to anyone who's moved to a strange place. Uprooted is a sensitive, heartfelt look at the author's own life, diving into the challenges she faced while spending her teen years in Hong Kong. The illustrations are expressive and clear, though it would have been nice to see a few more drawings of the city later in the story. There are some places with slow pacing, but overall, author Ruth Chan artfully communicates her younger self's feelings and frustrations, as well as her toughness in adapting to the unknown and the uncomfortable. Photographs from the author's actual childhood are included at the back of the book, including photos of a couple of the other characters, and it's fun to see the actual people depicted in the story. An author's note at the end that details some of the author's later experiences brings readers further into her notable life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why true stories like Uprooted are important to share. How can a story like this help readers?
How does Ruth's life compare to her father's childhood? Why do you think the author included his story?
What are a few ways Ruth's perseverance helps her make a life for herself in Hong Kong?
What challenges might you face in moving to a new country? Are they similar to the challenges Ruth faced?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Ruth Chan
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School ) , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : September 10, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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