Uprooted - by Ruth Chan (Paperback)

About the Book

"Ruth Chan loves her hometown in Toronto, hanging out with her best friends for life, and snacking on ketchup flavored potato chips, which are the best. What Ruth doesn't love is having to move to Hong Kong after her dad gets a new job there. Her mom is excited to reunite with her family, but it's not the same for Ruth. In Hong Kong, her classes are harder, her Cantonese isn't good enough, and her parents are never around. Ruth feels lonely and completely uprooted. But as Ruth's dad tells stories about her family, about how they relied on their strength, courage, and each other to survive the most difficult times, Ruth realizes that she too can be strong. Gradually, she puts down roots, knowing that home will always be where her heart is"--

Book Synopsis

Perfect for fans of New Kid and A First Time for Everything, a joyful and tearful debut middle grade graphic memoir about one girl being uprooted when she moves to Hong Kong, a place where her family fits in but, for her, it's nothing like home.

Ruth Chan loves her hometown in Toronto, hanging out with her best friends for life, and snacking on ketchup flavored potato chips, which are the best. What Ruth doesn't love is having to move to Hong Kong after her dad gets a new job there.

Her mom is excited to reunite with her family, but it's not the same for Ruth. In Hong Kong, her classes are harder, her Cantonese isn't good enough, and her parents are never around. Ruth feels lonely and completely uprooted.

But as Ruth's dad tells stories about her family, about how they relied on their strength, courage, and each other to survive the most difficult times, Ruth realizes that she too can be strong. Gradually, she puts down roots, knowing that home will always be where her heart is.

Review Quotes

A Kirkus, School Library Journal, Bank St., Publishers Weekly, New York Magazine, and NPR Best Book of the Year
An ALSC Notable Children's Book
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Nonfiction Honor title

★"Chan perfectly captures the voice of her 13-year-old self in this graphic memoir... A truly uplifting read for anyone, but especially for those who have ever felt alone and unheard by being new, different, or othered. Highly recommended for any library serving youth." --School Library Journal, starred review

★"Chan illustrates the stories with her signature humor and wit... Earnest, funny, and evocative." --Kirkus, starred review

★" [An] earnest 1993-set graphic novel memoir [with] expressive cartooning rendered in pastel tones." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

★"Her family's history makes Ruth deeply reflect on how she is adapting to a new place better than she thought, and young readers will be reassured by Ruth's dad's reminder that "It's okay to be nervous about change and the unknown. Just remember that you'll be okay. The unknown is simply a part of life."" --BCCB, starred review

★"A sensitive, authentic, and funny portrayal of a real kid grappling with change and uncertainty, and showing that persistence, courage, and patience make all the difference in finding that your place in the world really can be right where you are." --Booklist, starred review

"Chan's funny and heartfelt memoir, set in 1993, flips the tried-and-true fish-out-of-water script." -The New York Times

"The expressive drawings contribute to a rich, often humorous tale of family and school." --The Washington Post

"Chan tells the story of adapting to a tough change with a level of humor and honesty that kids deeply appreciate." --The Strategist

"Uprooted is more than just a coming-of-age story. The beauty of Ruth Chan's memoir comes from her finding truth in the quietest of moments and strength in the most difficult times." --LeUyen Pham, New York Times bestselling co-creator of the Friends graphic novel series

"When the world around you feels out of your control, this book is a grounding force. Ruth's tender, profoundly funny, and well-earned insights will give readers the courage to approach the uncertainties of life with excitement. I loved every moment." --Chanel Miller, New York Times bestselling author of Know My Name

"Ruth Chan tells her story of international upheaval with charming cartooning, pitch-perfect humor, and tons of heart. I loved every salty-sweet moment." --Vera Brosgol, creator of Be Prepared and the New York Times bestseller Anya's Ghost

"Kids and adults with both adore and relate to this wonderful memoir about Ruth's real life struggle to adapt and fit into a new home." --Dan Santat, creator of National Book Award winner A First Time for Everything and Caldecott Medal winner The Adventures of Beekle

"A tender and honest story about discovering yourself in a new world. Through vivid detail and earnest recollection, readers young and old will be transported into Ruth Chan's world. A sweet and honest love letter to a family and the city of Hong Kong." --Jen Wang, creator of Stargazing and The Prince and the Dresssmaker

"Sincere and engaging, Chen's memoir explores themes of cross-cultural family dynamics and finding a place to belong through human connection." --Horn Book

A Common Sense Media Best Book of 2024
Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List Selection
Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List Selection
Texas Topaz Reading List Selection
2025 Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Selection
2024 Golden Kite Award Winner

About the Author

Ruth Chan is an illustrator and author who spent her childhood tobogganing in Canada, her teens in Hong Kong and China, a number of years studying art and education, and a decade working with youth and families in underserved communities. She now writes and illustrates children's books and comics in Brooklyn NY and remains a proud Canadian.