Chinglish

Thirteen-year-old Jo tries to juggle life in a family that is half Chinese, half English, running a takeaway in Coventry

It is difficult trying to talk in our family cos:
a) Grandparents don't speak English at all
b) Mum hardly speaks any English
c) Me, Bonny and Simon hardly speak Chinese
d) Dad speaks Chinese and good English - but doesn't like talking
In other words, we all have to cobble together tiny bits of English and Chinese into a rubbish new language I call 'Chinglish'. It is very awkward.

It's 1984. Jo Kwan's family has just moved to a new town to live in a cramped flat above their Chinese takeaway. Things are seriously awkward, whether Jo's dealing with annoying siblings, school bullies, friendship dramas, fashion disasters or some very unlucky pets. Life is often hilarious, frequently confusing and sometimes just makes Jo want to stick drawing pins in her eyes.

As her home life with her erratic parents gets ever tougher, she dreams of breaking free to become an artist. Can Jo get through her crazy teenage years?

NOTE: Empathy Lab 2021 - Secondary List

• Winner - The Diverse Book Awards YA Longlist 2020