Review: Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All

By Chanel Miller

New York: Philomel Books, 2024. Fiction. 145 pages.

10-year-old Magnolia Wu is not looking forward to a summer spent helping her parents at their Manhattan laundromat while her classmates flee the city for the season. But when she makes a new friend, Iris Lam, the summer is looking up, especially when the girls decide to spend their days returning single lost socks to their owners. As they travel through the city, you'll meet a wide cast of characters who send their clothes to the laundromat for cleaning, including several of Magnolia's classmates.

This slim book is great for kids who don't want to commit to an overly long story, but still want a fun read. The black and white cartoonish illustrations interspersed throughout make this a great choice for kids who love the Dork Diaries series. Those looking for a true mystery may want to stay clear (as the mysteries behind each sock are easily and quickly resolved), but for anyone looking for a funny coming-of-age story, this book is a fabulous choice.

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