Project Mulberry

By Linda Sue Park

Can Julia and Patrick's silkworm project win at the state fair despite cultural challenges and unexpected obstacles?

3.7/5 Goodreads · 4,107 ratings

272 pages· 42,072 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Julia Song and her friend Patrick aim for a blue ribbon at the state fair, but their project choice—raising silkworms—faces cultural and practical hurdles. Julia's mother suggests this Korean tradition, but it clashes with the club's American focus. As they navigate mulberry leaf shortages and societal expectations, Julia wonders if they can succeed. Meanwhile, the author seems to complicate Julia's journey, adding unexpected twists. Can they overcome these challenges and prove that their unique project belongs? Discover a humorous and heartfelt tale of friendship, identity, and the creative process.

From the publisher

Julia Song and her friend Patrick would love to win a blue ribbon, maybe even two, at the state fair. They’ve always done projects together, and they work well as a team. This time, though, they’re having trouble coming up with just the right project. Then Julia’s mother offers a suggestion: They can raise silkworms, as she did when she was a girl in Korea. Patrick thinks it’s a great idea. Of course there are obstacles–for example, where will they get mulberry leaves, the only thing silkworms eat?–but nothing they can’t handle. Julia isn’t so sure. The club where kids do their projects is all about traditional American stuff, and raising silkworms just doesn’t fit in. Moreover, the author, Ms. Park, seems determined to make Julia’s life as complicated as possible, no matter how hard Julia tries to talk her out of it. In this contemporary novel, Linda Sue Park delivers a funny, lively story that illuminates both the process of writing a novel and the meaning of growing up American.