• Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2020 November #1
  Gemma Huang is an aspiring Chinese American actress who lands the lead female role in a modern movie remake of Madam Butterfly. This exciting achievement has some serious drawbacks, however. First, the director knows nothing about Chinese culture, rooting his vision of her character in stereotypes. Second, the movie will be filmed in Beijing, a city Gemma's parents have long warned her against visiting. Nevertheless, Gemma chooses to go. Upon arrival, she is immediately mistaken for Alyssa Chua, China's highest-profile socialite, who also happens to be Gemma's cousin. During her time there, Gemma learns of the long-standing family feud that keeps the Huangs from returning to China. But on the positive side, Gemma falls in love, finds more family than she ever dreamed of, and discovers her own voice regarding her craft and her heritage. More than a cute rom-com, this novel highlights LGBTQ+ rights, contemporary attitudes held by Chinese citizens, Chinese history, Hollywood's ethnic prejudices, and pride in culture and family. Despite some predictability, this is a fun start to a promising series. Grades 8-12. Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.

Diana Ma is a debut Chinese-American author who holds a BA in creative writing from the University of Washington and an MA in English with a creative writing focus from the University of Illinois, Chicago. She lives in a suburb of Seattle.

Diana Ma is a debut Chinese American author who holds a BA in creative writing from the University of Washington and an MA in English with a creative writing focus from the University of Illinois, Chicago. She lives in a suburb of Seattle.

Diana Ma is a debut Chinese-American author who holds a BA in creative writing from the University of Washington and an MA in English with a creative writing focus from the University of Illinois, Chicago. She lives in a suburb of Seattle.