Bubble Trouble

In this lighthearted novel by Shang (The Great Wall of Lucy Wu), an entrepreneurial middle schooler endeavors to make and sell her own boba to raise money for a class trip. Twelve-year-old theater-lover Chloe is ecstatic about her drama class’s upcoming field trip to a Broadway show. But while most members of her affluent D.C. neighborhood think nothing of the expense, Chloe hesitates to ask her father for the funds, especially since finances are tight following her mother’s death. A messy incident at a local boba shop inspires Chloe to start her own boba business to pay her way. But handling the sticky drinks and bustling business, on top of navigating her stubbornly growing feelings for cute if irksome classmate Henry Lee, is almost more than Chloe can juggle. But help from her tech-savvy dad, best friend Sabrina, and new rescue dog Phineas bring Chloe closer to her goal. Shang has developed a feast for the senses; anyone with a sweet tooth will rejoice at Chloe and Henry’s blossoming romance alongside abundant confectionary descriptions. Empathetic depictions of tween friendships, familial relationships, and moving on from loss deepen this quick-moving read. Chloe and Henry are Chinese American; Sabrina is Latinx-cued. Ages 8–12. (July)