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“A busy, evocative slice of school life and the trials of a second-generation immigrant.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“Inspired by Xu’s own experiences growing up in Toronto in the 1990s, this touching coming-of-age story comes through in playful artwork and offers excellent insight into the difficulties of middle school, especially if you already feel like an outsider. A great pick for fans of Pedro Martín’s Mexikid.”

– Bookpage

“Themes of sacrifice, survival, and love abound in a multidimensional story of navigating the bumpy terrain of family tensions and resilience across generations.”

– Horn Book Magazine

Alterations: A Graphic Novel

Written by Ray Xu
Illustrated by Ray Xu
Published by Union Square Kids

Kevin Lee is having a really bad week. Although he lives in a crowded Toronto apartment above the family’s alterations and dry-cleaning store, he mostly goes unnoticed. Dad has been MIA since the divorce. Mom works nonstop. He and his sister, Betty, just don’t seem to get along anymore. Then there’s PoPo (his grandma), who moved from China to look after them all. She’s full of wisdom but calls him Zhu Zhu (“Little Pig”) and is totally embarrassing.

School isn’t exactly an oasis either. There, Kevin is known as “Egg Boy” and often finds himself at the mercy of school bully (and budding crush) Lilly. When Kevin’s class plans a trip to Thrill Planet, a spectacular new theme park, will he finally have a chance to turn his life around, or will it just be another day for Kevin Lee?

Primary ISBN: 9781454945840
Publication Date: January 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Canada (Toronto)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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