The Many Masks of Andy Zhou

By: Jack Cheng

Narrated by: Eddy Lee, Jack Cheng

“Another beautiful book by Jack Cheng.”—Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Award-winning author of Hello, Universe

Creative and brave sixth grader Andy Zhou faces big changes at school and at home in this new novel by the award-winning author of See You in the Cosmos, for fans of When You Trap a Tiger and The Stars Beneath Our Feet

Andy Zhou is used to being what people need him to be: the good kid for his parents and, now, his grandparents in from Shanghai, or the helpful sidekick for his best friend Cindy’s plans and schemes. So when Cindy decides they should try out for Movement on the first day of sixth grade, how can Andy say no? But between feeling out of place with the dancers after school, being hassled by his new science partner Jameel in class, and sensing tension between his dad and grandfather at home, Andy feels all kinds of weird. Then over anime, Hi-Chews, and art, things start to shift between Andy and Jameel, opening up new doors—and new problems. Because no matter how much Andy cares about his friends and family, it’s hard not to feel pulled between all the ways he’s meant to be, all the different faces he wears, and harder still to figure out if any of these masks is the real him.

“A joy and a journey.”—Tae Keller, Newbery Award-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger

“Perceptive . . . Captures the joys and complex anxieties of middle school.”—Kirkus

"Beautiful . . . Recommended for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Nicole Melleby."—SLJ

"Realistic . . . Compelling."—Booklist

"Beautifully and naturally depicts Chinese American family life and the first year of middle school”—Common Sense Media

“There’s an aching poignancy [that] will resonate with kids.”—BCCB

"Beautifully written, [with] complexity and nuance."—Book Riot

“Andy’s quiet courage and budding artistry have readers cheering him on.”—Paula Yoo, National Book Award longlisted-author of From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry

©2023 Jack Cheng (P)2023 Listening Library

Critic reviews

* A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year *

“This book sings with beautiful writing and rich detail. Seeing Andy come into his own is a joy and a journey.”—Tae Keller, Newbery Award-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger

★ “The Many Masks of Andy Zhou is a brilliant, heartfelt story of self-discovery. Andy faces challenges that Cheng deftly tackles without ever weighing down the story or pausing its momentum. . . . Complex, earnest, [and] authentic.”—Shelf Awareness (starred review)

“There’s an aching poignancy [here]. This moving novel about self-discovery will resonate with kids navigating the shifting waters of middle school.”—BCCB

Empathy and Heart

I loved the story of Andy, his family, and friends. The start of middle school pushes you to reckon with who you are and who you want to be. Your friend group may change and finding your place at home and at school may force you to make important decisions. Cheng’s writing is empathetic and full of heart allowing Andy to grow and thrive within his Shanghainese community and in his hometown of Detroit.

Wonderful. Equally modern and nostalgic

I really loved the story! It's for both young adults and those who grew up in the 90's. I found so much to relate to in Andy and his voice, even though I'm female. I was immersed in the story and was excited each time I got to hear more. I'm also an immigrant who grew up in metro Detroit, around the same age as the author and Andy's story helped me process a lot of what I experienced too. It also brought back good memories of growing up there, in my own immigrant community with potlucks, trips to the lake and cider mill, and having my grandparents visit. I also really enjoyed Eddy Lee's voice acting, I think it really fit Andy!