A spotlight on The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling is one of the six books shortlisted for this year’s Readings Young Adult Book Prize.


Anna Chiu has her hands full with Year 11, looking after her brother and sister, and helping out at her family’s restaurant. Her dad’s new delivery boy, Rory, is a welcome distraction and Anna loves spending time working on perfecting her dumplings. But her close-knit family isn’t without its complications – her mum has an untreated mental illness and has been in her bed for months, her father is incredibly strict, and life can so easily turn upside-down.


Here’s what the judges said…

‘This is a nuanced tale of an immigrant Chinese-Australian family and how they navigate a mental illness. But it is also a charming coming-of-age story about first love, managing responsibilities and finding joy in a difficult life. Wai Chim has written a remarkable book that is an absolute delight to read. Suitable for readers aged 13+.’
Angela Crocombe, Chair of the judging panel


Meet the author…

Wai Chim is a first generation Chinese-American from New York City. She grew up speaking Cantonese at home and absorbing Western culture through books, TV and school. She spent some time living in Japan before making Sydney, Australia her permanent home. Her previous books include the Chook Chook series and Shaozhen: Through My Eyes. Her debut YA novel Freedom Swimmer was shortlisted for our inaugural Readings Young Adult Book Prize in 2017. In addition to writing, Wai works as a digital producer/web developer for The Starlight Children’s Foundation.


Read more about the Readings Young Adult Book Prize 2020 shortlist here.

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Cover image for The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

Wai Chim

In stock at 6 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 6 shops