The third book in the early chapter book series The Nguyen Kids
features the youngest sibling, Jacob, and continues the series'
exploration of social justice themes, specifically gender expression and
identity, with a supernatural twist.
BOOK 3: THE MYSTERY OF THE PAINTED FAN
Excerpt:
When I shut the door, I hold my painted fan. I breathe in and out. I
wonder . . . will Grandma Nội help me?
Thoughtful and creative, Jacob is tired of being the baby of the family.
He is ready to fully express himself in all of the ways that feel right
to him, but not everyone seems as eager to accept change--even his own
parents. He still loves hockey, yet he also wants to try something new,
even if others may not understand. Confused and frustrated, Jacob turns
to the beautiful fan his Grandma Nội gave him, which features all of the
Vietnamese zodiac animals. With the mysterious fan and memories of
Grandma guiding him, Jacob finds the power to remain true to himself,
and show his family who he could be.