Stand Up, Yumi Chung!

By: Jessica Kim

Narrated by: Greta Jung

One lie snowballs into a full-blown double life in this irresistible story about an aspiring stand-up comedian.

On the outside, Yumi Chung suffers from #shygirlproblems, a perm-gone-wrong, and kids calling her "Yu-MEAT" because she smells like her family's Korean barbecue restaurant. On the inside, Yumi is ready for her Netflix stand-up special. Her notebook is filled with mortifying memories that she's reworked into comedy gold. All she needs is a stage and courage.

Instead of spending the summer studying her favorite YouTube comedians, Yumi is enrolled in test-prep tutoring to qualify for a private school scholarship, which will help in a time of hardship at the restaurant. One day after class, Yumi stumbles on an opportunity that will change her life: a comedy camp for kids taught by one of her favorite YouTube stars. The only problem is that the instructor and all the students think she's a girl named Kay Nakamura - and Yumi doesn't correct them.

As this case of mistaken identity unravels, Yumi must decide to stand up and reveal the truth or risk losing her dreams and disappointing everyone she cares about.

©2020 Jessica Kim (P)2020 Listening Library

Critic reviews

Indies Introduce Winter / Spring 2020 Title

Spring 2020 Kids' Indie Next List

Amazon Best Books of the Month, March 2020

Kirkus Best Children's Books 2020

Chicago Public Library Best Fiction for Older Readers of 2020

Evanston Public Library Great Books for Kids 2020

“With wonderful supporting characters, strong pacing, and entertaining comedy bits, debut author Kim has woven a pop song of immigrant struggle colliding with comedy and Korean barbecue.” (Kirkus Reviews)

"Kim has taught school, and it shows, both with the spot-on dialogue and the up-to-date social media references.... This will certainly remind readers of Kelly Yang's Front Desk (2018). (Booklist, starred review)

“Being your true self can be tough, but with guts, gumption, and a whole lot of heart, Yumi Chung rises to the challenge and shows us all who she really is—a bona fide star.” (Booki Vivat, New York Times best-selling author of Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom)

It’s a good story but..

I love the story and all but the parents (mom and dad)‘s accent was horrible they did not sound like they were from Korea this sounds like they were from a computer it’s a great story overall but that’s just the one thing that’s been bugging me

I loved it

I loved it because it was amazing, but I don’t think young children should reed it because of the money problems and swearing.

Simple, fun, sweet

This was a sweet and fun story. As far as storyline, this is a simple story, not necessarily something hugely unique. But it's a lovable story nonetheless. I loved the Korean culture and words throughout the story. I was so fun to become part of the Chung family.

Great but one critique

Great book overall but one critique, in the actual book it says that Jasmine’s favorite jelly bean flavor is tutti fruity and in the audiobook it says that it’s watermelon.

Sweet and Short

This isn’t the most realistic book, but it’s lovely all the same. The voice actor had great range, and the performance made me tear up a few times. Definitely written for a younger crowd and a bit predictable but I think adults can enjoy it too. Speaks honestly to a lot of the immigrant experience, and I hope to see more from this author!

The perfect book.

I love the book I recommend it for a lot of people, especially children. It's really awesome and I really love it. I also really loved it because the sce The theme fit all ages