This is a sweet middle-grade novel about identity, fitting in (or not), the difficulty of knowing where we stand with people, and the pros and cons of taking risks (mostly emotional and food-oriented risks). The lessons are a little more straightforward than I like but not too bad for a middle-grade book. ( )

This one is a good addition to the friendship-changing, pre-adolescent, figuring out who you are genre. Often these books focus on a child who has always had that one friend, and then that one friend starts making new friends or hanging out with the popular kids, leaving the main character hurt, left out, and more alone than ever. This one swaps the roles a bit. Krista has been best friends with Jason since they were both three years old. Now in 5th grade, she is included in the popular girls' circle, leaving Jason hurt and Krista torn. In addition to the growing up/evolving friendship story at the book's heart, Krista is also navigating her Korean-Canadian heritage, and figuring out how to balance her looks, background, and interests with both western and Korean influences at school, at home, and in popular media. When Krista has to figure out how to make things right with Jason, she has help from an unexpected source: her severe, traditional Korean grandmother. I really enjoyed this one, and only wish it included recipes!

Krista Kim-Bap by Angela Ahn, published by Second Story Press is a fabulous little middle grade novel.

Krista and her best friend Jason have been friends since preschool. Now they are in fifth grade and things begin to change. First, Krista starts developing a new friendship with some of the girls while neglecting her best friend. She also becomes the class defacto ”Korean Ambassador” for Heritage Month at her school. At a time when so much begins to change, how does Krista manage?

I really loved this story from start to finish. From Krista’s grandmother Mrs. Kim, who totally reminded me of Mrs. Kim from Gilmour Girls, to Krista herself, it is a real story of self-discovery, honouring traditions and navigating friendships. There are some really important lessons to be learned through reading Krista’s story. How to manage friendships and which friendships are reciprocal and genuine is at the forefront of this book. It really is about Krista realizing what true friendship looks like and how to cultivate new friendships while honouring those who have always been tried and true.

Also, there is the theme of being true to yourself and owning your truth, realizing that we are all individuals and all have different strengths, different likes, different tastes. Individuality can be tough for children as they enter their tweens and teens and having a story available to relate to can provide comfort. ( )

Krista Kim is a 5th-grade Korean-Canadian living in Vancouver. She's been best friends with Jason since preschool. Now in 5th grade, things seem to be changing. The popular girls take an interest in Krista after she wears an amazing Korean-style dress to a "red-carpet" party. Hanging out with them takes away from the time she and Jason used to spend together and it begins to feel awkward and uneasy to Krista. As the only Korean in her school, she's also feeling pressure about how to carry out her Heritage Month project. The themes of being yourself and wrestling with one's cultural identity are handled almost too earnestly as if the author really wanted to make sure kids get the message. Krista and Jason patch things up in a heart-to-heart conversation more mature than any 5th grade conversation I've ever heard ("I learned that when I hang out with you, I am the most comfortable version of myself."). ( )