Description
Mei, Maggie, and Sophie are BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!
With fourth grade just around the corner, the three girls look forward to another fun school year together. But disaster strikes on the first day of school: MAGGIE’S LEAVING!! Suddenly, Mei and Sophie only have each other. They can still have fun together, right?
But soon, Sophie behaves very differently. She hates Mei’s art. She calls her hurtful names. She even plays mean pranks on her. What’s going on? Sophie is still Mei’s friend, isn’t she? So why is she now her … bully?
Mei begins to fear school, but even at home, there is no escape from her bully. Nowhere feels safe. Can Mei overcome hardship and regain her shattered confidence? Or will her bully ruin her entire year?
With the help of her teacher and new friends, Mei learns what real friendship truly is and what it means to stand up for yourself.
With fourth grade just around the corner, the three girls look forward to another fun school year together. But disaster strikes on the first day of school: MAGGIE’S LEAVING!! Suddenly, Mei and Sophie only have each other. They can still have fun together, right?
But soon, Sophie behaves very differently. She hates Mei’s art. She calls her hurtful names. She even plays mean pranks on her. What’s going on? Sophie is still Mei’s friend, isn’t she? So why is she now her … bully?
Mei begins to fear school, but even at home, there is no escape from her bully. Nowhere feels safe. Can Mei overcome hardship and regain her shattered confidence? Or will her bully ruin her entire year?
With the help of her teacher and new friends, Mei learns what real friendship truly is and what it means to stand up for yourself.
Review Quotes
“Yu’s fictionalized biographical immigration story highlights perseverance and creative problem solving. The ‘Note to Readers,’ author’s note, and bonus story are fantastic additions . . . Highly recommended.”—School Library Journal, Trade Review
"This bright and bubbly early reader graphic novel, based on debut creator Yu’s own immigration story, validates the sometimes overwhelming nature of learning an unfamiliar language as a child in a new country."—Publishers Weekly, Trade Review
“Yu’s manga-style art is full of silly and dramatic flourishes that perfectly capture the overwhelming experience of culture shock. Mei uses creative thinking and her love of art to find her way, and readers will rejoice at the winsome hero’s triumphs. Charming, funny, and full of heart.”—Kirkus, Trade Review
Biographical note
Mei Yu has over 30 years of drawing experience and 20 years of anime, manga, and cartoon art teaching experience in Canada. Since 2004, she has been teaching kids and teens her popular anime, manga, and cartoon art lessons in schools and libraries in Vancouver. Since 2011, Mei has produced over 1,000 art lessons and art videos on YouTube, with over 450 million views. Mei continues to inform, entertain, and inspire youth with her beautiful artwork, positive attitude, and cheerful personality. Mei Yu is also the author of Lost & Found: Based on a True Story. Find her on YouTube @MeiYu.
