by Maisie Chan
 
Meet Nate Yu Riley, amateur myrmecologist (ant geek to you), forced to move 156 miles from the village of Sheepstone to Liverpool by the “parentals”, Mum and Momo. Determined that their adoptee son should have the chance to connect with his Chinese heritage (and that he stands a better chance of doing so in a metropolis) Nate doesn’t share their priorities. In fact, he’s far too busy making sure that no one learns that his middle name is Yu - which he thinks makes him a target for bullies- and that he doesn’t stand out. But, slowly, as Liverpool casts its spell on him, with the forging of new friendships and through an encounter with the ghost of a World War One interpreter from China… Nate comes to a new understanding of who he is and who he wants to be. 
 
A spine tingling adventure with a (gentle) ghost, a mysterious artefact with powerful properties and a timeslip which uncovers a wealth of fascinating history concerning the lives of the Chinese Labour Corps in the UK. The new friendships Nate forms are central and introduce the fantastic characters of Riley, a working class child raised by his mum while his dad is in prison and Missy, a social justice activist proud of and an expert in her Chinese heritage. The tensions played out between Nate and his mums (and later the resolutions) are portrayed with great sensitivity and insight as Nate struggles with his identity, feeling neither English nor Chinese “enough”. All of this material is deftly conveyed through Maisie Chan’s trademark humour. Highlights include Missy’s repeated declarations that Nate is, “the Worst Chinese Person Ever” and the unforgettable scene of the flying Chicken Roast in Liverpool’s China Town! Plus, there’s stacks here for any budding myrmecologist. ‘Very readable. Love how [the ghost of] Jirou allows Nate to explore his identity and some excitement along the way! Great to have an East Asian hero!’ (Sylvia, former Children's Social Work Director, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 8-12, Paperback 239pp
 
Themes: LQBTQ+   Themes: Diverse Families