Unidentified Suburban Object

By Mike Jung

Chloe uncovers unexpected family secrets while exploring her Korean heritage in a non-diverse town.

3.5/5 Goodreads · 911 ratings

272 pages· 50,016 words· Est. 7 hour read

$7.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Chloe Cho is tired of being misunderstood in her non-diverse town, where her achievements are attributed to her Asian heritage. Her parents avoid discussing their Korean roots, leaving Chloe feeling alienated. When Ms. Lee, a Korean American teacher, arrives, Chloe finally finds someone who understands her. As Chloe delves into her family history for a class project, she uncovers shocking secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew. What truths will Chloe discover, and how will they reshape her identity?

From the publisher

Comic and satirical, but also full of painful truths about being both a bright, sensitive middle schooler, and a so-called “model-minority” in a decidedly NOT-diverse townThe next person who compares Chloe Cho with famous violinist Abigail Yang is going to HEAR it. Chloe has just about had it with people not knowing the difference between someone who’s Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. She’s had it with people thinking that everything she does well – getting good grades, winning first chair in the orchestra, et CETera – are because she’s ASIAN.Of course, her own parents don’t want to have anything to DO with their Korean background. Any time Chloe asks them a question they change the subject. They seem perfectly happy to be the only Asian family in town. It’s only when Chloe’s with her best friend, Shelly, that she doesn’t feel like a total alien.Then a new teacher comes to town: Ms. Lee. She’s Korean American, and for the first time Chloe has a person to talk to who seems to understand completely. For Ms. Lee’s class, Chloe finally gets to explore her family history. But what she unearths is light-years away from what she expected.

At a glance