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“A compelling and heartfelt exploration of identity, family, and friendship. . . . Inspired by her own childhood experiences growing up in the suburbs of New York City, Yu crafts a relatable first-person narrative exploring themes that will resonate with many readers facing cultural duality or questions of identity. There is plenty to root for as Ping-Ping navigates her journey of self-discovery through taekwondo, music, and the support of close friends and family.”

—Booklist

“A young girl navigates fifth grade with cheer and determination. . . . Through it all, Ping-Ping’s experiences are anchored by empathetic parents and supportive friends who validate her feelings. Short chapters move the plot along briskly, briefly integrating other relatably funny or frustrating minor conflicts. . . . Ping-Ping’s strength and thoughtfulness when navigating microaggressions based on race and gender will especially resonate with readers who share her background; her humor and tenacity will win over all. A comforting coming-of-age tale that celebrates family and friendship.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Goodbye, French Fry

Written by Rin-rin Yu
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books

A sparkling debut novel featuring a Chinese American girl doing her best to stay true to herself in a world that often judges

Some days Ping-Ping feels like she just can’t win. She was born in the US, so it’s frustrating when people are surprised by how American she is, but her Chinese relatives feel she’s not Chinese enough. But the things bugging her the most lately are her classmate Lee Beaumont, who has taken to calling her “French Fry” because of the tofu sticks she eats at lunch, and the possibility that her family will have to relocate to Kenya for her father’s UN job.

Of all the things Ping-Ping loves, her home and best friend are at the top of the list, and she’d hate to have to leave them. What’s a girl to do when she can’t be in as much control as she’d like to be? Well, good thing Ping-Ping is a wiz at taekwondo—she’s learning how to kick her frustrations away, and there’s almost nothing she can’t master if she puts her mind to it.

Rin-rin Yu has written a warm and funny family story that will have kids rooting for Ping-Ping—a girl who is ready to kick all the assumptions made about her aside!

Primary ISBN: 9780593858080
Publication Date: February 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

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

Setting: United States (Edgewood NY)

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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