How to Draw a Secret
by Cindy Chang
Graphic Novel
Realistic Fiction
* * * * * Stars (Amazing!)
Based on Cindy Chang’s experiences growing up, “How to Draw a Secret” follows the story of a single-parent Chinese/Taiwanese family living in California. Cindy is the youngest in her family and has two older, college-age sisters. Their mom has been their sole caretaker since their baba moved back to Taiwan “for work.” Actually, Cindy isn’t sure what happened between her parents and she’s been forbidden to talk about any family drama, so she hasn’t really been able to get answers or support from anyone. When her grandmother (nai nai) suddenly passes away the whole family goes to Taiwan for the funeral and there’s a reconciliation of sorts with baba. While Cindy’s sisters seem to know (or at least suspect) what really happened, Cindy is completely surprised and crushed by her father’s duplicity. He has been leading a completely different life and raising their half-brother while leaving his other family on their own in the States. The drama her mother didn’t want basically explodes in their faces. But, despite their emotions running wild, everyone finally has a chance to express themselves and that, at least, feels good, even if baba’s choices were not so good. This was a moving story that will have readers feeling all the feels. For grades 4-8.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
