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ENCHANTED STORIES: Pie in the Sky


By Remy Lai
New York : Henry Holt and Company, 2019. Fiction.

All growing up, Jingwen has listened to his father talk about his dream to open his very own bakery called, Pie in the Sky. When his father unexpectedly passes away, Jingwen moves to a new country with his mom and brother. Jingwen struggles in school with both his education, and making new friends because he doesn't speak English. It doesn't make it any easier when he is put in charge of looking after his little brother, who seems to get into all sorts of trouble. To cope with his feelings of discouragement and sadness, he begins to bake cakes, the same cakes that his father was planning to include in the menu at his bakery.

This beautiful story includes many pages of illustrations which makes it a perfect choice for both those who love comics and those who love chapter books. Remy Lai writes about Jingwen's experience of moving to a different country in such a captivating and fun way. It opens your eyes to how difficult it is for immigrants trying to adjust to each new situation in a new country. Jingwens's love of baking is heartwarming, along with how he uses it to try and stay close to his father. Each time a new cake is introduced, your mouth will begin to water. A must-read for all. 

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