About Home In A Lunchbox
Cherry Mo’s stunning debut is about a young girl who immigrates to America and finds home in an unexpected place.
When Jun moves from Hong Kong to America, the only words she knows are hello, thank you, I don’t know, and toilet. Her new school feels foreign and terrifying. But when she opens her lunchbox to find her favorite meals—like bao, dumplings, and bok choy—she realizes home isn’t so far away after all. Through lush art and spare dialogue, Cherry Mo’s breathtakingly beautiful debut picture book reminds readers that friendship and belonging can be found in every bite.
"This remarkable story about finding comfort in a new home by bringing along familiar traditions is a must-purchase for picture book collections and will resonate with any child who has struggled to fit in."
—School Library Journal, starred review
"Memories of home, and images of lunch box contents, are rendered in elegant full-color illustrations alongside swirling hearts and emanata, suggesting feelings of comfort and love. In an exceptional debut, Mo deploys digital illustrations that expertly use selective coloring to depict an experience of finding common ground."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Wholly focused on her own character’s story, [Cherry Mo] takes a well-loved idea and renders it bright, shiny, and new with sheer talent alone. This book is a standout and a delicious one to boot. It ain’t preachy. It ain’t smarmy. It’s just plain good.”
—Betsy Bird, Fuse 8
"Round-faced, endearing Jun is utterly expressive; her sadness upon returning home each day is especially palpable... A touching immigrant story that hits the heart—and stomach."
—Kirkus Reviews