"This is a captivating coming-of-age story of determination. Brown eloquently addresses the history of Asian immigration, microaggressions, the model minority myth, stereotyping, and the impact of the lack of representation. An eye-opening, inspiring story of growing up, facing obstacles, and chasing your dreams anyway." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Brown sensitively portrays Annie's shift from a girl who readily makes adaptations to fit in with the majority culture to a person who is fully aware of racial prejudice yet dreams of a bright future. This thought-provoking historical novel highlights issues faced by many Asian Americans, past and present." -- Booklist (starred review) "Brown paints a realistic picture of one Japanese American child's experiences growing up in a mostly white town. Annie's arc is an uplifting one as she traverses the highs and lows of friendship, middle school, and family expectations to fulfill her dreams, despite the bigoted thinking of people around her." -- Publishers Weekly "Annie's voice is so sweet, charming, and absorbingly addictive.

I was mesmerized by her story, her troubles, and all of her dreams. I wish the book had never ended, but I know that she'll stick with me long after the last pages." -- Van Hoang, author of Girl Giant and the Monkey King "In this ultimately uplifting story, Brown describes the painful racism the Inoue family faces and their differing experiences of living in the United States." -- Horn Book Magazine.