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Alterations Ray Xu

Alterations By Ray Xu

Alterations by Ray Xu


$39.69
Condition - New
40+ in stock

Alterations Summary

Alterations by Ray Xu

For fans of Gene Luen YangsAmerican Born Chineseand Svetlana ChmakovasAwkward,this funny yet poignant middle-grade coming-of-age story highlights the struggle of feeling invisible while yearning to be seen by all.

Kevin Lee is having a really bad week. Although he lives in a crowded Toronto apartment above the familys alterations and dry-cleaning store, he mostly goes unnoticed. School isnt exactly an oasis eitherbeing one of the few Asian kids makes for some unwelcome attention. But when Kevins class plans a trip to Thrill Planet, a spectacular theme park, will he finally have a chance to turn his life around, or will it just be another day for Kevin Lee?

Fans ofmiddle school graphic novelsexploring identity and self-esteem will appreciate the poignant yet humorous journey of finding one's place in the world, and readers who are looking forAsian representation in books will connect with Kevin's story ofracism,bullying, and theimmigrant experience. With its mix of family relationships, friendships, and a thrilling amusement park climax, this inspiring read is perfect for fans ofhumorous middle grade fictionwithdiverse charactersovercoming obstacles.

Alterations Reviews

"A busy, evocative slice of school life and the trials of a second-generation immigrant."Kirkus

Inspired by Xu's own experiences growing up in Toronto in the 1990s, this touching coming-of-age story comes through in playful artwork and offers excellent insight into the difficulties of middle school, especially if you already feel like an outsider. A great pick for fans of Pedro Martin's Mexikid.Bookpage

Themes of sacrifice, survival, and love abound in a multidimensional story of navigating the bumpy terrain of family tensions and resilience across generations.Horn Book Magazine

Kevin Lees story is hilarious and heartfelt, with semi-autobiographical elements from Xus childhood in Toronto in the 90s. Alterations is like the century egg Kevin eats: On the outside, it looks like a story about middle school drama, but once you bite in, you realize the family dynamics are the umami flavor you cant ignore . . . . Semi-autobiographical graphic novels for middle grade readers are booming, and rightfully so. This one is a tad more fantastical than Dan Santats A First Time for Everything, and a bit more realistic than Yehudi Mercados Chunky, and it will certainly appeal to fans of both.Booklist

This is an excellent debut middle grade graphic novel, both funny and full of heart, depicting the lives of an immigrant family.Book Riot

A funny and heartfelt story that beautifully communicates the honest and awkward relationships we have with life and our immigrant parents.DanSantat, Caldecott Medal winner and creator ofA First Time for Everything

In this cathartic graphic novel debut, Xu renders Kevin and his family with lighthearted flair, depicting them as abundantly expressive characters who each sport giant specs. Much of the protagonists charm stems from the fact that they all complain loudly (and legitimately) about their own plight while tending to one anothers woes with humor and tenderness.Publishers Weekly

Charming, relatable, nostalgic. Love Xus subtle and scraggly drawing style paired with his understated, yet deeply affecting storytelling. Brings me back to being a lonely Chinese kid in Toronto. A fun read!Academy Awardwinning director and screenwriter Domee Shi (Bao,Turning Red)

[C]omics are a great way to present us with different perspectives, and this graphic novel did not disappoint!Geek Dad

From the Sunday-funnies font to the muted, realistic palette with pops of color, Xus sketchy cartoon style nostalgically harkens back to the era of classic comic strips, well suiting its 1994 setting . . . . [A] moving depiction of a multigenerational immigrant Chinese family trying to sew themselves back together.Bulletin Center for Childrens Books


About Ray Xu

RAY XUis a Toronto-based story artist and animator for television and feature films. His recent work includes the 2021 Netflix animated hitThe Mitchells vs. The Machines; DreamWorksCaptain Underpantsmovie; and more. He invites you to visit him online athttp://raymond-xu.com.

Additional information

NGR9781454945857
9781454945857
1454945850
Alterations by Ray Xu
New
Paperback
Union Square & Co.
2024-03-21
240
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a new book - be the first to read this copy. With untouched pages and a perfect binding, your brand new copy is ready to be opened for the first time

Customer Reviews - Alterations