Winner of the Diverse Book Award 2020, this book is based on the real life events of author Sue Cheung. It follows Jo Kwan, a teenager growing up in 1980s Coventry with her annoying little sister, too-cool older brother, a series of unlucky pets and utterly bonkers parents. Jo lives above her parents’ Chinese takeaway and things can be tough – whether it’s unruly customers or the snotty popular girls who bully Jo for being different. Even when she does find a BFF who actually likes Jo for herself, she still has to contend with her erratic dad’s behaviour. All Jo dreams of is breaking free and forging a career as an artist. Told in diary entries and doodles, Jo’s brilliantly funny observations about life, family and char siu make for a searingly honest portrayal of life on the other side of the takeaway counter.

Themes/Warnings: Racial Equality, Domestic Abuse, Neglect, Bullying, Animal Cruelty