The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

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( 4,191 ratings, 722 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim is a heartfelt young adult novel about a teenage girl named Anna who juggles family responsibilities and personal struggles amidst her mother’s mental health issues. As Anna navigates these challenges, she finds solace in unexpected friendships and gains insight into her cultural identity. This coming-of-age story is both touching and enlightening, exploring themes of resilience, love, and self-discovery.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate heartfelt stories exploring family dynamics and mental health challenges. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a Chinese family in Australia, it offers a touching narrative of resilience and identity. Ideal for those who enjoy coming-of-age tales with cultural depth and emotional complexity.

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The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

This compelling young adult novel about growing up in a migrant Asian family with a mother who is suffering from a mental illness was short-listed for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
SHORT-LISTED: 2020 Prime Minister's Literary Award, Young Adult Fiction
FINALIST: 2021 Kirkus Prize, Young Readers

Anna Chiu has her hands pretty full looking after her brother and sister and helping out at her dad's restaurant, all while her mum stays in bed. Dad's new delivery boy, Rory, is a welcome distraction, and even though she knows that things aren't right at home, she's starting to feel like she could just be a normal teen.

But when Mum finally gets out of bed, things go from bad to worse. As Mum's condition worsens, Anna and her family question everything they understand about themselves and each other.

This nourishing tale about the crevices of culture, mental wellness, and family was the winner of the Indie Book Awards.

'A book with a huge heartbeat and so much love infused in every page.' - Alice Pung, author of Laurinda

'Deeply immersive storytelling, with sophistication and unfailing empathy. I adored this book.' - Leanne Hall, author of Iris and the Tiger

'A heartwarming tale of family, food, and first love that will make you cry both happy and sad tears.' - Justine Labalestier, author of My Sister Rosa

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim is praised for its heartfelt and authentic portrayal of a family's struggles, particularly focusing on mental illness and cultural identity. Reviewers commend its emotional depth, depicting how the protagonist and her siblings navigate their complex emotions while showcasing strong familial bonds. The novel is described as both heartwarming and brutally honest, resonating deeply with readers and offering a significant perspective on the Chinese-Australian experience.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760631581

Publisher: A&U Children's

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 August 2019

Country: Australia

Imprint: A&U Children

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 358g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Wai Chim is a first-generation Chinese-American from New York City. She grew up speaking Cantonese at home and absorbing Western culture through books, TV and school. She spent some time living in Japan before making Sydney, Australia, her permanent home. Her previous books include the Chook Chook series and Shaozhen, part of the Through My Eyes: Natural Disaster Zone series. Her novel Freedom Swimmer was shortlisted for the inaugural Readings Young Adult Book Prize and the Sakura Medal, and was a Children's Book Council Notable Book. In addition to writing, Wai works as a digital producer/web developer for The Starlight Children's Foundation.

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