The Many Masks of Andy Zhou

(Paperback)

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Andy Zhou is used to being what people need him to be- the good kid for his parents and, now, his grandparents in from Shanghai, or the helpful sidekick for his best friend Cindy's plans and schemes. So when Cindy decides they should try out for Movement on the first day of sixth grade, how can Andy say no But between feeling out of place with the dancers after school, being hassled by his new science partner Jameel in class, and sensing tension between his dad and grandfather at home, Andy feels all kinds of weird. Then over anime, Hi-Chews, and art, things start to shift between Andy and Jameel, opening up new doors-and new problems. Because no matter how much Andy cares about his friends and family, it's hard not to feel pulled between all the ways he's meant to be, all the different faces he wears, and harder still to figure out if any of these masks is the real him. "Another beautiful book by Jack Cheng." -Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Award-winning author of Hello, Universe Creative and brave sixth grader Andy Zhou faces big changes at school and at home in this new novel by the award-winning author of See You in the Cosmos, for fans of When You Trap a Tiger and The Stars Beneath Our Feet Andy Zhou is used to being what people need him to be- the good kid for his parents and, now, his grandparents in from Shanghai, or the helpful sidekick for his best friend Cindy's plans and schemes. So when Cindy decides they should try out for Movement on the first day of sixth grade, how can Andy say no But between feeling out of place with the dancers after school, being hassled by his new science partner Jameel in class, and sensing tension between his dad and grandfather at home, Andy feels all kinds of weird. Then over anime, Hi-Chews, and art, things start to shift between Andy and Jameel, opening up new doors-and new problems. Because no matter how much Andy cares about his friends and family, it's hard not to feel pulled between all the ways he's meant to be, all the different faces he wears, and harder still to figure out if any of these masks is the real him.

Reviews

* A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year *

This book sings with beautiful writing and rich detail. Seeing Andy come into his own is a joy and a journey. Tae Keller, Newbery Award-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger

The Many Masks of Andy Zhou is a brilliant, heartfelt story of self-discovery. Andy faces challenges that Cheng deftly tackles without ever weighing down the story or pausing its momentum. . . . Complex, earnest, [and] authentic. Shelf Awareness (starred review)

Theres an aching poignancy [here]. This moving novel about self-discovery will resonate with kids navigating the shifting waters of middle school. BCCB

"Chengs comedic timing and poignant use of metaphor make it easy to picture Andys anxietyand self-consciousness, [and] rich descriptions abound of Andys Chinese and Jameels Chaldean cultures . . .A beautiful, contemplative novel that will stay with readers. Recommended for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Nicole Melleby." School Library Journal

This thoughtful novel beautifully and naturally depicts Chinese American family life and the first year of middle school. [It] explores necessary topics and productively packages them in a great story about friendship, forgiveness, and family. Common Sense Media

Readers will find a friend in Andya kind-hearted kid trying to find his footing while caring for those around him. Andy contains multitudes, like all of us. Another beautiful book by Jack Cheng. Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Award-winning author of Hello, Universe

"Beautifully written and contemplative, [full of] complexity and nuance." Book Riot

Andys quiet courage and budding artistry have readers cheering him on as he searches to define himself and learns there are no boundaries to who we areand who we can become. With honesty and gentle humor, Jack Cheng explores the joys and heartaches of growing up. Paula Yoo, National Book Award longlisted-author of From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry

Cheng draws on personal experience, detailed in an authors note, to pen this novel of internal and interpersonal tensions that touches on mental health . . . The message of becoming ones authentic self comes through loud and clear. Publishers Weekly

Cheng succeeds in capturing the nuances of shifting relationship dynamics during the vulnerable early years of adolescence, including mental health struggles. . . . The story has a sincere heart that will resonate with tweens as they recognize themselves and their friends in the pages. A perceptive coming-of-age tale that captures the joys and complex anxieties of middle school. Kirkus

Author Bio

Jack Cheng is a Shanghai-born, Detroit-based author of critically acclaimed fiction for young readers. His debut middle grade novel, See You in the Cosmos, won the Golden Kite and Great Lakes, Great Reads awards. Jack has visited schools across the globe speaking with students about finding their paths as writers and artists. He is a 2019 Kresge Artist Fellow.