K-Jane - by Lydia Kang (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From acclaimed author Lydia Kang comes a funny, moving YA novel following a third-generation Korean American teen who goes to extreme and hilarious lengths to connect more with her Korean heritage, perfect for fans of Maurene Goo and Rachel Lynn Solomon.

Jane Choi is a typical Nebraskan teen--a corn-fed lover of Husker football. But lately, she feels like she's missing something. Her non-Korean classmates--that's everyone--are immersed in K-pop, K-dramas, K-beauty . . . basically, K-everything. But for Jane, kimchi? Not a fan. Bibimbap? What is that? Her mom even named her after the very not-Korean Jane Eyre.

Everyone seems to know more about Korean culture than Jane. And she isn't sure whether she's more annoyed at them, or herself.

With a baby brother on the way, Jane is determined to save her new sibling from enduring the same humiliation. Enter: a totally foolproof plan to become the K-Jane of her dreams. What better way than to start a private social media account about all things Korean so her closest cousins can learn from her?

But Korean heritage and identity are more complicated than taste-testing multiple varieties of kimchi in front of a camera. And when online virality crashes into real life, Jane's plans might just go K-boom in her face.

Review Quotes

"K-Jane is a heartwarming -- and incredibly clever -- novel about feeling at home in yourself. Lydia Kang writes with such extraordinary compassion for her characters. You'll feel for Jane and root for Jane and love what Jane loves -- including her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska." -- Rainbow Rowell, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Fangirl

"K-Jane is the soul food I didn't know I needed! Funny, charming, heartwarming, and deeply moving, it touched me to my Korean American core. I adored it!" -- Ellen Oh, author of The Colliding Worlds of Mina Lee