The Jade Dragon

Authors: Carolyn Marsden and Virginia Shin-Mui Loh

First line: "We go together.... Chang-chang changity-chang shoo-bop. That's the way it should be...." was playing from Robin's boom box.

Why you should read this book: Ginny was born in America, but her parents raised her with Chinese traditions, so she didn't learn English until she went to school, where she continues to feel like an outsider and long for a real best friend. Stephanie is the new girl in school, and she's Chinese-American too--she was even born in China--but she's been adopted by a white family and raised in a completely American way. Through their halting interactions, both girls come to understand the importance of their heritage and the meaning of true friendship.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You've never worried about fitting in.