What This Book Is About
Meilan Hua's name means "beautiful orchid" in Chinese, but right now nothing in her life feels beautiful. Her beloved Nai Nai has just died, her parents are fighting constantly, and worst of all, her family is splitting apart. Her mother moves across town, her father throws himself into work, and Meilan is sent to live with her grandparents in a small town in the American South where she doesn't know anyone and her Chinese name gets mangled by everyone she meets.
At her new school, Meilan discovers that her name carries different meanings depending on how you write it in Chinese characters: "beautiful orchid," but also "secret," "coal," and "to conceal." As she navigates a world where she feels simultaneously too Chinese and not Chinese enough, Meilan begins to understand that identity is not a single, fixed thing but something layered and evolving. Andrea Wang has written a tender, honest novel about grief, belonging, and the courage it takes to define yourself on your own terms. Readers who loved Inside Out & Back Again and Front Desk will find a kindred spirit in Meilan.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
This book speaks directly to the experience of UWC students in Singapore, many of whom navigate between Chinese and Western cultures daily. Meilan's struggle to reconcile her Chinese heritage with her American identity mirrors the dual-identity experiences of countless children in international schools. The way the novel uses the multiple meanings of Chinese characters as a structural metaphor makes it uniquely engaging for students who speak or are learning Chinese.
Beyond cultural identity, the book tackles grief, family upheaval, and the challenge of starting over in a new community, themes that resonate with internationally mobile families. Wang's writing is emotionally honest without being heavy-handed, and Meilan's journey toward self-acceptance gives students a powerful model for navigating their own complex identities with confidence and grace.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. The themes of identity and grief require more advanced comprehension. Start with simpler realistic fiction first.
Right in the sweet spot. The straightforward prose and relatable themes make this deeply engaging at A2-B1.
A comfortable read at B2. The cultural nuances become even richer with stronger English. Try Inside Out & Back Again for a poetic companion.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.