Tiger Girl
Gr 9 Up-Nea, a college sophomore, still struggles to fit in and can't find a way to confront her mother about the truths her sister revealed at the end of Dragon Chica (Gemma, 2010). During Christmas break, she travels from Nebraska to California to visit Uncle, who is really her father. Once there she tries to bring new business to his doughnut shop, with the hope that he will recognize her as his daughter. Instead, her efforts lead to the return of her older brother-long thought to have been murdered by the Khmer Rouge. Chai weaves together Cambodian mythology, proverbs, and modern history as Nea fights for recognition from her family. The language is lyrical, but the protagonist lacks the maturity one assumes from a college student. The first half of the novel drags as Uncle's intentions and feelings are obvious to readers but not to his daughter. The plot and pacing pick up once the long-lost son appears. Those willing to get to that point will not be disappointed. Enough backstory is worked in that readers do not need to have read the earlier novel to enjoy this one.-Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VAα(c) Copyright 2013.  Library Journal. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.