I'm Ok

By Patti Kim

A boy's quest for quick cash leads to unexpected friendships and challenges.

3.7/5 Goodreads · 491 ratings

288 pages· 54,954 words· Est. 6 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Ok Lee is on a mission to support his struggling family, but his get-rich-quick schemes aren't panning out. With a talent contest out of reach and a hair braiding business barely afloat, Ok faces pressure from a popular rival and a meddling church deacon. As he navigates these hurdles, an unlikely friendship with the spirited Mickey McDonald complicates his plans. Can Ok find a way to help his family without losing himself in the process?

From the publisher

An Asian/Pacific American Literature Award Honor Book Ok Lee is determined to find the perfect get-rich-quick scheme in this funny, uplifting novel that bestselling author Gene Luen Yang called “So funny and heartfelt.” Ok Lee knows it’s his responsibility to help pay the bills. With his father gone and his mother working three jobs and still barely making ends meet, there’s really no other choice. If only he could win the cash prize at the school talent contest! But he can’t sing or dance, and has no magic up his sleeves, so he tries the next best thing: a hair braiding business. It’s too bad the girls at school can’t pay him much, and he’s being befriended against his will by Mickey McDonald, the unusual girl with a larger-than-life personality. Who needs friends? They’d only distract from his mission, and Ok believes life is better on his own. Then there’s Asa Banks, the most popular boy in their grade, who’s got it out for Ok. But when the pushy deacon at their Korean church starts wooing Ok’s mom, it’s the last straw. Ok has to come up with an exit strategy–fast.

Awards

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor (2020)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 288
Words: 54,954
Reading age: 9–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 670L

Themes & topics

Books about culture Books about family Books about parents Books about places and regions Books about mother-son relationships

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Language

Instances of language like "oh my God" and "piss."

Presence of Death

The main character's father has recently died in an accident, leaving their family in turmoil.

Serious Subject Matter

There are examples of prejudice, racism, and bullying.

For readers who can't stop at one