My Beijing

Four Stories of Everyday Wonder

  • Interest Level: Grade 2 - Grade 5
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

A 2019 Batchelder Honor Book

Yu’er and her grandpa live in a small neighborhood in Beijing—and it’s full of big personalities. There’s a story around every corner, and each day has a hint of magic.

In one tale, Yu’er wants to swim in the Special Olympics, a sports competition for people with disabilities. But she and her grandpa don’t have a pool! Their trick to help Yu’er practice wows the whole neighborhood. In another story, a friend takes Yu’er to a wild place full of musical insects. Later, Yu’er hears a special story about her grandparents. And in the final story, Yu’er and her grandpa show a cranky painter the sweet side of life.

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Interest Level Grade 2 - Grade 5
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Graphic Novels
Category Diverse Books: #OwnVoices, Diverse Books: Physical Disability & Illness, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2018
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Graphic Universe ™
Language English
Number of Pages 128
Publication Date 2018-08-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV008000, JUV030020, JUV013100
Dewey 741.5/973
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 8 x 10
Lexile 240
Guided Reading Level R
ATOS Reading Level 2.4
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 195663
Accelerated Reader® Points 0.5
Features Awards, Original artwork, Reviewed, and Starred Reviews

Author: Nie Jun

Nie Jun began drawing at an early age by copying lianhuanhua (Chinese sequential art). He later discovered the cartooning legends of Europe, Japan, and elsewhere. He lives in Beijing and teaches drawing to university students.

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Awards

  • Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award Nominee, Nominated, 2020
  • 2020 Sakura Medal Nominee, Long-listed, 2020
  • Utah Beehive Award Nominee, Nominated, 2020
  • ALA Notable Children's Books, Winner, 2019
  • Cream of the Crop for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, Winner, 2019
  • Booklist Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth, Winner, 2019
  • Batchelder Honor Book, Commended, 2019
  • Eisner Nominee, Nominated, 2019
  • New York Times Notable Children's Books, Winner, 2018
  • Freeman Book Award Title of Note, Long-listed, 2018
  • New York Public Library Best Books for Kids, Winner, 2018

Reviews

The New York Times Book Review

“The stories move gracefully between reality and fantasy, a bit like Miyazaki movies, but sweeter.”—The New York Times Book Review

Shelf Awareness

“Nie Jun’s illustrations are lush, the figures expressive and Beijing itself captivating in its detail.”—Shelf Awareness

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“Each frame of sequential art is a small gem of delicate line and watercolor painting . . .”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

The Horn Book Magazine

“©ontemporary young readers will easily relate to Yu’er’s longing to be part of a loving community and caring family, and identify with her good humor and grit in facing life’s obstacles.”—The Horn Book Magazine

School Library Journal

“Delicate full-color watercolors add to the gentle, dreamy atmosphere of the neighborhood as Yu’er, her friends, and readers discover the simple magic and wonder in everyday life.”—School Library Journal

Kirkus Reviews

“Whimsical and sweet, this will remind readers of animated movies such as My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service.”—Kirkus Reviews

Booklist

“Jun’s exquisite graphics . . . offer nonstop merriment and whimsical delight.”—starred, Booklist