 | How to draw a secret Author: Chang, Cindy | |
| Price: $13.11 | ||
Summary:
An empowering autobiographical story of a young Taiwanese American artist striving to find her voice to save what matters most. In graphic novel format.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (02/15/25)
School Library Journal (02/01/25)
Booklist (03/01/25)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/02/25)
The Hornbook (00/03/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 03/01/2025 Faced with an assignment to depict the meaning of family, art-loving tween Cindy is perplexed. Though pretty content to be the dreamy artist following in the wake of her two accomplished older sisters, her life hides a shadow—her father has been gone for four years “for work” in Taiwan, and her stoic mom pretends everything is fine. When the family travels from San Francisco to her grandmother’s funeral, Cindy’s fears about seeing her dad again are justified: his secret is revealed, leaving her to grapple with a new half brother and a fractured sense of family. With simple line art and a saturated palette, debut creator Chang uses inventive layouts and expressive faces to capture a roller coaster of emotions. Cindy’s notebook sketches chronicle her conflicting feelings; readers will relate to this reflective, independent thinker who’s feisty yet loving. Themes of redemption and forgiveness unfold with humor and honesty, while lighthearted sibling exchanges balance heavier moments. Enriched by Taiwanese cultural details, this semi-autobiographical tale offers a poignant exploration of family, acceptance, and what it means to love imperfect people. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
