Pie in the Sky

Lai, Remy
Pie in the Sky
Holt, 2019 384 pages
Grades 3-7
Realistic/Graphic Hybrid

Jingwen moves with his younger brother and mother from an unspecified Asian country to Australia to start a new life after the death of his father. A simple baker, Dad always dreamed of moving to Australia and opening a bakery featuring all of the fancy cakes he would love to bake: “Pie in the Sky” cakes. Now Dad is dead, Mom works long hours, and the new country is confusing and unfriendly. Jingwen must take care of his annoying little brother, Yanghao, while Mom works, as a nosy old neighbor lady constantly butts into their business. Jingwen almost makes a friend, but pulls away when he sees the boy laughing with someone who formally made fun of his struggles with English. Yanghao is adjusting much better. He is making friends and reading full books in English. Jingwen just wants to go home to see his grandparents and old friends. In order to feel connected to his old life he begins to secretly bake the "Pie in the Sky" cakes that his dad taught him. There is no money for ingredients and Mom has forbidden him to use the stove, but there must be a way. If only Yanghao can keep his secret…

Debut author/illustrator Lai offers a fresh take on the immigration experience for children. Readers see through Jingwen's eyes the frustrations and fears of moving to a foreign place where the language sounds like gibberish. Through the cartoon illustrations and speech bubbles we see the nonsense out of people's mouths slowly become words as Jingwen’s English improves. The novel is a true graphic hybrid. Though mostly consisting of text, the illustrations are drawn in traditional cartoon panels and contribute to the plot. Words and illustrations work seamlessly together creating a visual experience, helping readers to immerse themselves in the story. Kids will relate to Jingwen's reluctance to let go of his own life and support his decision to connect to his father through baking the cakes, even if rules are broken. Yanghao is the quintessential annoying little brother, reminiscent of Fudge. He drives Jingwen crazy, yet is also his most precious connection. When Yanghao goes missing on Jingwen's watch, we all hold our breaths until the little rascal is found. Celebrating the power of community, the importance of family, and the healing and bonding nature of food, this deceptively light story packs a punch.