Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This early graphic novel series starter features Geraldine Pu, a Taiwanese American girl with a black bob, and her trusty, light-purple stickered lunch box, named Biandang. Geraldine loves the food her Amah makes her--that is, until scruffy-haired, taupe-skinned Nico, "new to Geraldine's lunch table," begins making fun of her lunches, which quickly catches on. Chang's digital illustrations have an approachable, kid-friendly style; speech bubbles from the human characters and thought bubbles from Biandang throughout will hold readers' attention, as will the sequential story's clear progression. The lunch box moment and its resolution may feel predictable to readers familiar with the genre, but newcomers will find the narrative gently humorous and accessible. Front matter features a how-to read guide and a glossary; back matter includes a message from Biandang and a bao recipe from Amah. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6--8. (June)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--In this start to a new graphic novel series, a young Taiwanese American girl faces lunchroom bullies with the help of her lunchbox. Geraldine Pu speaks English, Mandarin Chinese, and Taiwanese with her family at home. At school, Geraldine loves lunchtime best because every day her grandmother Amah packs her a special lunch in Biangdang, a purple lunchbox that she's lovingly covered with stickers. With a zipper for a mouth and fasteners that resemble eyes, Biangdang brims with personality as he narrates the story. One day a classmate dubs Geraldine's lunch "GROSS!" and his close-minded opinion spreads to other kids. Geraldine must bravely face down intolerance and ridicule in order to remain true to her culture and heritage. The graphic format will be enticing to younger readers, and the distinct panels make it easy to follow the action. The art is static but uses sound effects and close-ups to create an intimate tone as Geraldine wrestles with both her love for Biangdang and her culture, food, and family and the shame she feels when her classmates taunt her. The book includes a section with "Words from Geraldine's World" and a recipe for Bao from Amah's kitchen. VERDICT Early readers will sink their teeth into this refreshing story. Pair it with K-Fai Steele's A Normal Pig for a story time highlighting lunchtime inclusion.--Laken Hottle, Providence Community Lib.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A Taiwanese American girl works through several lunchbox moments. Geraldine Pu loves the surprise Taiwanese lunches her grandmother makes her. She also adores the smiling purple lunchbox she calls Biandang, who faithfully keeps her food warm and occasionally expresses a few thoughts. Geraldine is delighted at school one day to see that Amah has packed her yellow curry for lunch. Her enthusiasm is quickly dampened when new classmate Nico catches a whiff of her curry and exclaims, "EW!" This causes the whole lunch table to join in piling on criticisms. The microaggressions take their toll. The next day Geraldine's classmates--a diverse bunch--mock her yet again about her lunch being different. After this, she decides to skip eating despite the temptation of the delectable bao. To top it all off, on the bus the kids make fun of her surname, Pu. Once home she throws her beloved Biandang, with immediate regrets. A new challenge arises in the simple, evenly paced plot when Amah packs her stinky tofu, known for its potent smell. Despite her apprehensions, Geraldine realizes her own power to stand up for herself and others when Nico mocks Jamaican classmate Deven's lunch. Chang offers brightly colored comics textured with scribbled panel borders, splotches of color, and dotted splats of ink. A guide to reading a graphic novel, glossary, recipe, and note explaining Taiwanese culture are included. An engaging, accessible graphic early reader in both composition and message. (Graphic early reader. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
