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“Two kids try to save their beloved neighborhood from gentrification. …This fantasy world, which is populated with humans and anthropomorphized animals, is based on the real history of American Chinatowns and the struggles of community organizations against gentrification. Lu uses light humor to tell the story in an accessible way. Informative backmatter offers additional context.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Noodle & Bao

Written by Shaina Lu
Illustrated by Shaina Lu
Published by Quill Tree Books

Momo has lived in Town 99 her entire life. She knows all its quirks and rhythms: the best places to buy fruit, practice tai-chi in the park, and, most of all, get the best meal: Noodle & Bao, run by Momo’s best friend, Bao, and their amah, Noodle.

But Town 99 is changing. Rent is becoming unaffordable for Momo and her parents, and even Noodle & Bao has been edged out of its storefront, which was just recently bought out by a new business venture—Fancé Cafe. Fancé is run by the ambitious Ms. Jujube and her henchmen, who claim they’re only beautifying Town 99 with good business.

Momo knows that’s not true, and knows that if she doesn’t do something, she’ll lose everything she loves about her neighborhood. From undercover recon to a cook-off proposal, protest signs to petitions, Momo and Bao are on a mission to protect Town 99. Will they succeed before it’s too late?

Primary ISBN: 9780063283411
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Age 08 or older

Community Represented: ,

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

Setting: Fictional Location (United States)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant, 1st Generation, 2nd Generation

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

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