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| Gigi Shin is not a Nerd |
Jiyoung "Gigi" Shin is an amazing drawer. She effortlessly creates superheroes, and hopes to become a celebrated illustrator living from her artwork, like her aunt who is in New York City instead of her boring Texas town. Her Korean parents, who own a convenience store and work hard seven days a week, have different expectations, however, and they want Gigi to be good in math and science just like her little brother, so she can become a doctor or a scientist and make the family proud.
When an opportunity to apply for art camp in New York City is presented in her art class, Gigi jumps at the chance, even if she doesn't have any money and can't ask her parents. Her best friends Carolina and Zeina are also interested in attending, so the girls come up with a brilliant idea to raise funds. They create a tutoring business for other middle schoolers and for elementary students who need help, and they start advertising their services. The Ace Squad soon begins tutoring students.
But not all is well for Gigi. First, her grades are slipping, and her parents are breathing down her neck. She hasn't told them about the Ace Squad, and she's worried that if they find out they will want to put an end to it. Second, her crush is now asking for tutoring help, and even though Gigi is terrible at math, unlike Carolina who's supposed to tutor all students with math issues, Gigi jumps at the opportunity to assign Paul to herself, and changes the schedule on everyone. As the problems pile up, Gigi's friendships start to fray. Can Gigi find a balance between school, friends, and work?
A fast read illustrating the realities and expectations of many immigrant families, Gigi Shin is not a Nerd feature realistic middle school characters who sometimes make poor decisions and must live with the consequences. All ends well for Gigi however, as honesty, even if belayed, often fixes dire situations. Fans of a quick read will appreciate this story and will look for a hopeful sequel, so that we can continue watch Gigi grow as a person!
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