Outsider Kids: A Parachute Kids Graphic Novel (Parachute Kids #2)

About this book

★ "Humorous and relatable…tugs at the heartstrings." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “Powerful and triumphant.” —School Library Journal, starred review

"Another truly superb graphic novel from Betty C. Tang! Fascinating, funny, and, at times, heart-wrenching. I adored this story!" —Christina Soontornvat, New York Times bestselling author of The Squad and The Tryout

“An incredible, refreshing, heartfelt companion to Parachute Kids that is not afraid to illustrate the hardships of many immigrant families. I could not put this book down!” —Joanna Cacao, New York Times bestselling illustrator of The Squad and The Tryout

WITH FAMILY LIKE THIS, WHO NEEDS ENEMIES?

After seven months on their own as undocumented immigrants, the Lin siblings have settled into their new lives in California. Jia-Xi (Jesse) has a new job, Ke-Gang (Jason) has a new crush, and Feng-Li (Ann) is excited to celebrate her eleventh birthday with her new friends. Their parents still await visa approval in Taiwan, so the trio is trying to take better care of one another and stay under the radar of immigration authorities. But when their stuck-up cousin Josephine—a violin prodigy—arrives with her privilege and demands, suddenly their world is in turnaround. Will they have to give up the life they worked so hard to achieve?

Reviews

Praise for Outsider Kids:

★ "Brisk, well-crafted dialogue and attractive, comic-style drawings support the narrative flow, weaving in intercultural perspectives that are at once humorous and relatable, while candidly addressing difficult issues…Tugs at the heartstrings and will spark important, age-appropriate conversations on pertinent, broadly relevant topics." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Throughout the book, these characters face real challenges and subsequently show real growth. Readers will cheer on the siblings as they band together to overcome every obstacle, proving they can make their American life work. As powerful and triumphant as the first book, this eye-opening read belongs on all shelves." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Full-color comic illustrations effectively aid in telling the story, and Tang exhibits particular skill in portraying the characters’ many expressive emotions. Though Feng-Li and her family face serious problems, lighthearted scenes throughout add richness to the story and convey a more complete picture of their unique experience. . . While best read as a sequel, this accessible graphic novel still stands on its own and is an entertaining read on a topic readers may not know much about." –The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, recommended

"Another truly superb graphic novel from Betty C. Tang! Fascinating, funny, and, at times, heart-wrenching. I adored this story about a family whose love for each other sees them through all the challenges life throws at them." —Christina Soontornvat, New York Times bestselling author of The Squad and The Tryout

"An incredible, refreshing, heartfelt companion to Parachute Kids that is not afraid to illustrate the hardships of many immigrant families. I could not put this book down!" —Joanna Cacao, New York Times bestselling illustrator of The Squad and The Tryout

Praise for Parachute Kids:

**A National Book Award Longlist Title in the Young People's Literature Category**

ALA APALA Honor Book

ABA Indie Bestsellers List

School Library Journal Best Book

NPR Best Book

Kirkus Reviews Best Book

The Horn Book Best Book

★ "The development of the characters and their relationships is convincing and balanced, and the siblings' respective experiences are relatable for anyone who has tried to fit in somewhere. This empathic story centers a less widely recognized community and thoughtfully presents a distinct facet of immigration. Emotionally moving and beautifully executed." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "At once common and unique, this is a compelling story of immigration and family bonds; highly recommended." -- School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Tang's artwork clearly conveys the emotions of each scene, and readers will find this story hard to put down." -- Booklist, starred review

★ "Tang weaves themes of family, racial stereotyping, cultural adaptation, sacrifice, peer pressure, sexuality, bullying, and survival into a poignant and triumphant story of perseverance and resilience, presenting a remarkably honest depiction of an Asian American immigrant experience." -- The Horn Book, starred review

"Uplifting... Across crisp, boldly colored panels, the creator addresses heavy topics such as bullying, queer identity, and racism. Inspired by her own experience as a 'parachute kid,' defined in an author's note as children brought to live with friends or relatives in foreign countries, Tang balances humor and heart with the difficult realities of what parachute kids may face." -- Publishers Weekly

"Tang's debut graphic novel effectively telegraphs the characters' fears and anxieties with focused perspectives and animated panels, underscoring the obstacles immigrants must face... The siblings' emotional journey and ultimate ability to appreciate and honor both Western and Taiwanese cultures with friends and family make an aspirational model for young people trying to make the best of relocating in unforeseen situations." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, recommended