Second-grader Mindy Kim and her father have just moved from California to Florida to make a fresh start. Her Dad has a new job, they have a nice new house and Mindy will be starting at a new school. On the first day of school Mindy pulls out her lunch of seaweed, kimchi, rolled eggs and rice and gets a lot of attention from the kids at her table when they don't recognize the food. The next day she doesn't have time to ask her dad for a different lunch so she decides to make the best of it. She asks a girl named Sally if she can sit with her at lunch and when she pulls out her lunch Sally asks if she can try her seaweed snacks. Soon all the kids sitting at the table want to try some and the yummy seaweed trading ring begins.
This is a sweet story that deals, in a very kid friendly way, with some bigger issues of grief, diversity, responsibility and making and keeping new friends. The story flows very smoothly and its one that younger readers will be able to relate to. I enjoyed the little details the author added about Asian culture as she presented little tidbits about Mindy's heritage. I also enjoyed the cute illustrations. This is a great new series for younger readers who are advancing into chapter books.
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