Alejandra Kim isn’t sure who she is or where she fits in. She is the daughter of Korean Argentinian immigrants, with a Latina first name and a Korean last name and face. She’s a poor kid from Queens with a New York attitude whose father has just died, and a highly intelligent scholarship student at a super exclusive prep school in Manhattan. Things are tense at home with her mom, and all she wants to do is keep her head down and graduate, and move on to attend an elite, quintessential New England liberal arts college far away in Maine. But after a microaggression from a teacher at school, and an eye opening elective class she takes, Ale must decide once and for all who she really is and what she wants to stand for. Ale is a thoroughly entertaining character and this book is a fun read despite the serious topics addressed such as self esteem, code switching, passing, privilege, and inclusivity. The book also delves into the psychological ramifications that immigrants often face after leaving their home countries and cultures. A must have for every YA shelf.

Recommended for grades 8-12.
Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Lee Remick, York Middle School, York