MMGM and #IMWAYR: Noodle & Bao!
Hi everyone! I've got a very fun graphic novel to share about today!
I'd also like to highlight my review from last week, because I'm low-key very proud of how that one turned out writing-wise. Feel free to check it out too!
Noodle & Bao
I had the chance to hear graphic novelist Shaina Lu speak at the 2025 North Texas Teen Book Festival, and I picked up a copy of her book before heading out. And I'm so glad I did!
This book is filled with childlike joy and wonder. Some of that comes from the adorable and evocative art, filled with sparkles and motion and visual gags galore. (And food. Lots of food.)
I love that some characters are people, and others are animals who act functionally like people. Maybe there's a thematic reason, but also, it's just so cute. One of the book's comp titles is the game series Animal Crossing, and I can see why.
And I love how unabashedly the art leans into glamor and drama to depict the villainous Fancé Café and Ms. Jujube, as if they are being seen through a kid's wide eyes.
We also get a dose of joy from our protagonist Momo, who has spunk and energy for days. Momo is young, probably around 10 or 11, but the story respects her abilities, showing how she is probably the only person motivated enough to lead her activist movement.
And yet, Momo never feels older than she is. Her activism strategies, as well as her narration of the story, feel exactly like what a kid her age would come up with. Sometimes she's silly, and sometimes she makes mistakes. But above all else, she loves her community and the people (and food) in it, and she's ready to fight to protect them.
For a book accessible to the lower end of the MG spectrum, this book is impressively thoughtful about its main issue, gentrification. I imagine for many kids, this will be their first time learning the concept of gentrification at all. But the story even pushed me to think about it in new ways.
In many ways, this is a story of change. (Which was a little difficult for me, since as an anxious person, I am deeply change-averse.) Here's what I took away from the story: Sometimes we don't want things to change. People and places and traditions (both past and present) matter to us, and we want to preserve them. And that's okay.
But sometimes, things will change, because people and their needs change too. And (*breathes*) that's okay too.
But change becomes gentrification when it's not guided by the people who it's affecting. We have the right to change our own lives, but when people come into our communities and try to change our lives for us? That's not okay. And we can fight back.
I also really like how this story depicts activism. It shows how activism is not a solitary activity, but rather a communal one. Partially because two voices are louder than one. Partially because we don't know what to fight for unless we ask people what they need. And partially because we're all human, and we need rest. One of us can't shoulder a whole movement.
Finally, I appreciate the diversity contained within this story. There's representation of different languages (Mandarin, Cantonese) and experiences of immigration. There's also acceptance of queer characters and inclusion of characters' pronouns (they/them or otherwise). And even the mixing of human and animal characters seems like a kid-friendly way of visually illustrating diversity. (Hey, maybe that's the aforementioned thematic significance!)
If Noodle & Bao were a recipe, it would be equal parts delightful and thoughtful. This story's joyful, energetic tone and illustrations make it accessible and engaging for younger readers. Yet, likely informed by Shaina Lu's own activism work, it has ample wisdom to offer about gentrification and taking a stand for one's community. This is a one-of-a-kind graphic novel with great things to say.
A request:
Kidlit Lovers' Meetup!
Our eleventh Kidlit Lovers' Meetup is officially scheduled for:
Saturday, April 12
4-5 PM Pacific / 5-6 PM Mountain / 6-7 PM Central / 7-8 PM Eastern
Virtual (via Zoom)
As always, these meetups are a chance for us kidlit book bloggers and readers (and anyone else who wants to join in on the fun) to connect and discuss books, reading, blogging, and more!
Sign up for the meetup mailing list so you can get the Zoom link for this meetup and all future meetups as they are scheduled. (You can also click that link to learn more about the meetup format, if you're curious!) Just FYI, this mailing list is different from my mailing list for receiving blog posts.
I'm glad you spotlighted this story again because I missed your review. I don't like change either but it's necessary sometimes. I just put this book on reserve at my library. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently on the lookout for MG titles more accessible to the younger side of the age range, so this is perfectly timed! My daughter and I just read The Tea Dragon Society, and it seems like there are some similar elements here with nonhuman characters and an inclusive cast. Definitely going to check this one out! And... yup! My reps will absolutely be hearing from me. Again! <3
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm another who's change-averse, but danged if it doesn't just keep getting forced on me! This really does sound like an important book. And I'll second the need to pester our lawmakers to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so fitting for my neighborhood, which is in the throes of massive gentrification - it's messy and uncomfortable and complicated, and I'm glad it's being touched on in a kid-focused way! I'm not American, so I don't know that any US lawmakers will care what I think, but we have our own election at the end of the month, and you'd best believe the hate-mongering Conservatives will never get my vote!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds an interesting graphic novel with a good introduction to topics like gentrification (which I think we view a little differently in Ireland). Town 99 is kind of a depressing name though, is the story set in the US? I like the emphasis on community, I think we could all do with a little more of them (over here anyway!). Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMax, I just finished this book yesterday afternoon! I too was fascinated by the integration of animals and humans as part of the community and even families. Like you, I also love that activism is a collective effort. I appreciate that Momo thinks she has to do everything, but it's only when she understands that the community has to work together that they make a difference. I think the theme of change coming from within the community is a profound aspect to this book. I was also captivated by the glamor of Ms. Jujube. I also appreciated that while she is certainly misguided, she is shown to have some positive qualities - like when she paid for Bao's culinary education.
ReplyDeleteI'm a die-hard, change averse introvert... and an indie author, all in the same body! I tend to equate 'change' with 'risk' by default, but I'm starting to appreciate the excitement of trying new things. I love MG books that explore class issues, and one dealing with gentrification? Even better.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued to read the review you posted last week, my writer friend, so I'm off to do just that. Thanks for another stellar, MG graphic novel recommendation!
Marching in the Hands Off event on Saturday felt good. Lots of LGBTQ+ signs in the crowd. And in the evening I was at a Planned Parenthood fundraiser where every speaker talked about LGBTQ+ rights and issues. In my town, at least, the care and love feels present. However, I know that isn't true everywhere else.
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