Minn and Jake’s Almost Terrible Summer

—A 2009 Bank Street – Best Children’s Book of the Year

“This is a gentle, resonant story that explores the ways we struggle to learn about one another, and discover ourselves in the process.” —Booklist

“Côté’s black-and-white cartoons nicely highlight the action and, together with the text, capture the very essence of childhood summers. Good fun.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Whimsical ink sketches enhance the storytelling in this creative early chapter book that features smart, endearing characters and humorous antics.” —School Library Journal

“Wong is still a keen interpreter of the preteen psyche, deftly exploring such issues as the perceived exoticness of ethnic identities, the ethics of line-cutting, and the almost insurmountable odds against nurturing friendship between a very tall girl and a very short boy.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A truly enjoyable read filling a very real and undeniable need.”—Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse #8 Production

There are a few things
about your best friend
that you can only learn
when you see where he’s from.
Minn knew
that Jake was from the city.
But she didn’t know
that his grandmother was Korean.
That he liked taking bubble baths.
That his brother, Soup,
might be an eating champion.
That Jake was a cheater,
and that he had a . . .
girlfriend?!
There are some things
about your best friend
that it’s better not
to know.

Bouncing free verse and playful black-and-white illustrations combine to make this a charming follow-up to Minn and Jake.