Uprooted

Written and illustrated by Ruth Chan

A girl navigates loneliness and identity after moving to Hong Kong.

4.2 Goodreads · 1,856 ratings

288 pages· 9,849 words· Est. 2 hour read· ~380L

$22.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Ruth's world turns upside down when her family moves from Toronto to Hong Kong. Struggling with language barriers and loneliness, she feels out of place. As her father shares tales of family resilience, Ruth discovers her own strength. Can she find a sense of belonging in a foreign land?

From the publisher

Perfect for fans of New Kid and A First Time for Everything, a joyful and tearful debut middle grade graphic memoir about one girl being uprooted when she moves to Hong Kong, a place where her family fits in but, for her, it’s nothing like home. Ruth Chan loves her hometown in Toronto, hanging out with her best friends for life, and snacking on ketchup flavored potato chips, which are the best. What Ruth doesn’t love is having to move to Hong Kong after her dad gets a new job there. Her mom is excited to reunite with her family, but it’s not the same for Ruth. In Hong Kong, her classes are harder, her Cantonese isn’t good enough, and her parents are never around. Ruth feels lonely and completely uprooted. But as Ruth’s dad tells stories about her family, about how they relied on their strength, courage, and each other to survive the most difficult times, Ruth realizes that she too can be strong. Gradually, she puts down roots, knowing that home will always be where her heart is.