A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year * A NCSS 2023
Notable Social Studies Trade Book
What was the pandemic of the century like at the start? This swift,
gripping novel captures not only the uncertainty and panic when COVID
first emerged in Wuhan, but also how a community banded together.
Weaving in the tastes and sounds of the historic city, Wuhan's
comforting and distinctive cuisine comes to life as the reader follows
13-year-old Mei who, through her love for cooking, makes a difference in
her community. Written by an award-winning author originally from Wuhan.
Grieving the death of her mother and an outcast at school,
thirteen-year-old Mei finds solace in cooking and computer games. When
her friend's grandmother falls ill, Mei seeks out her father, a doctor,
for help, and discovers the hospital is overcrowded. As the virus
spreads, Mei finds herself alone in a locked-down city trying to find a
way to help.
Author Ying Chang Compestine draws on her own experiences growing up in
Wuhan to illustrate that the darkest times can bring out the best in
people, friendship can give one courage in frightening times, and most
importantly, young people can make an impact on the world. Readers can
follow Mei's tantalizing recipes and cook them at home.
