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Yellow Singing Sail: A Memoir of an Only Child in China
For fans of New Kid and Stealing Home, an unforgettable portrait of childhood during the one-child era in China.
In her early years, Yinfan lives in the small Chinese county of Xintian, surrounded by family members. But when they move for her father¡¯s new job to the city of Guangzhou, her life changes dramatically. Not only does Yinfan need to adjust to a new dialect, but she also has to comply with many new rules at home and in school, and deal with her loneliness. Yinfan yearns to make a good friend, and she does her best to try and fit in. That is, until a girl in her class helps her realize she likes herself just the way she is.
This graphic memoir from author and illustrator Yinfan Huang offers a heartwarming look at a girl¡¯s struggle to forge her own identity in her quest for friendship. Full of fascinating details about life as a child and adolescent in 1990s China, it offers a timely message about how the challenges of growing up are universal.
In her early years, Yinfan lives in the small Chinese county of Xintian, surrounded by family members. But when they move for her father¡¯s new job to the city of Guangzhou, her life changes dramatically. Not only does Yinfan need to adjust to a new dialect, but she also has to comply with many new rules at home and in school, and deal with her loneliness. Yinfan yearns to make a good friend, and she does her best to try and fit in. That is, until a girl in her class helps her realize she likes herself just the way she is.
This graphic memoir from author and illustrator Yinfan Huang offers a heartwarming look at a girl¡¯s struggle to forge her own identity in her quest for friendship. Full of fascinating details about life as a child and adolescent in 1990s China, it offers a timely message about how the challenges of growing up are universal.
184 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2025
1 person is currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 29, 2025
Yellow Singing Sail is about Yinfan, or »ÆÒ÷·« in Chinese, and her experience of growing up in the late 90s, China. This book explores the theme of loneliness of an only-child in a light-hearted way¡ªcapturing the sensation of childhood. But what¡¯s interesting is that it Yinfan¡¯s story truly happened, making this book wholesome and eye-opening.
As someone who is part of the Chinese community and engrossed by its history, I strongly relate to Yinfan¡¯s experiences growing up in China. However, I was still surprised to learn the strictness of the teachers, different from the teachers I¡¯ve typically had in American schools.
Yet I found Yinfan¡¯s story taking me back to my early childhood, strong with nostalgia. I too moved between different cities. And also as an only child, I found myself lonely sometimes. The theme, however, did a spectacular job on teaching us that, in the end, you have yourself as a friend. Through the pages of this book, I found myself befriending a girl perhaps a bit similar to myself. Once I started to read this graphic novel, I couldn¡¯t stop.
And of course, the illustrations bring the story to life. Yinfan is a talented artist with such a unique style¡ªexactly the kind needed for this book! I can¡¯t imagine any other styles with this story, as they bring an easygoing and elated touch.
I really recommend this book to fellow Chinese people¡ªwho may find themselves relating yet also amused at the comparison to their own life. Yet this book is also perfect for everyone hoping to learn more about growing up in China almost thirty years ago, or simply just the simplicity of youth. Truly, this is one of those books for everyone! It will inform you, teach you, and also fascinate you¡ Kind of what reading is all about!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity for me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
As someone who is part of the Chinese community and engrossed by its history, I strongly relate to Yinfan¡¯s experiences growing up in China. However, I was still surprised to learn the strictness of the teachers, different from the teachers I¡¯ve typically had in American schools.
Yet I found Yinfan¡¯s story taking me back to my early childhood, strong with nostalgia. I too moved between different cities. And also as an only child, I found myself lonely sometimes. The theme, however, did a spectacular job on teaching us that, in the end, you have yourself as a friend. Through the pages of this book, I found myself befriending a girl perhaps a bit similar to myself. Once I started to read this graphic novel, I couldn¡¯t stop.
And of course, the illustrations bring the story to life. Yinfan is a talented artist with such a unique style¡ªexactly the kind needed for this book! I can¡¯t imagine any other styles with this story, as they bring an easygoing and elated touch.
I really recommend this book to fellow Chinese people¡ªwho may find themselves relating yet also amused at the comparison to their own life. Yet this book is also perfect for everyone hoping to learn more about growing up in China almost thirty years ago, or simply just the simplicity of youth. Truly, this is one of those books for everyone! It will inform you, teach you, and also fascinate you¡ Kind of what reading is all about!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity for me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 16, 2025
i have never personally read a graphic novel memoir before but this one i just picked up was very thought provoking & a page turner. this book provides readers with a relatable story of a young girl navigating the complexities of growing up, particularly in the midst of cultural and personal change.
this memoir was set in the 1990's and the author herself takes us through her early years in the small county of Xintian, where she lives a simple, close-knit life with her family. however, when her father¡¯s job moves the family to the city of Guangzhou, Yinfan is thrust into a world of new dialects, unfamiliar rules, and the emotional turbulence of being a newcomer.
one of the most fascinating thing about this book is Yinfan¡¯s journey to find her identity. the cultural shift from a rural area to an urban environment, paired with the added pressure of adapting to school life, brings forth feelings of isolation and loneliness. Yinfan yearns for friendship and struggles to find where she fits in among her peers. her attempts to adapt to the fast-paced, city life are relatable to anyone who has faced challenges while trying to belong in a new environment. as she grapples with these external pressures, readers witness her internal journey toward self-acceptance.
one of the most heartwarming moment comes when a classmate helps Yinfan realize that she doesn¡¯t need to change herself to be liked. this realization is powerful and carries a universal message:
"the importance of loving oneself and embracing individuality." a theme that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
the illustrations, they were so beautiful. it also offers a glimpse into life in 1990s China, enriching the reader¡¯s understanding of the country¡¯s cultural nuances, familial expectations, and the pressures that youth face. These details provide historical and cultural context that deepen the emotional impact of Yinfan¡¯s journey.
overall, this book felt like a warm hug and a cup of tea. a heartfelt and inspiring story about self-discovery, friendship, and the trials of growing up. Yinfan's narrative and illustrations work together to create a relatable and uplifting book that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
It is a beautiful reminder that the challenges of growing up are universal, and that self-acceptance is the key to true happiness.
thank you so much for my copy Kids Can Press! i'm keeping this forever ??
this memoir was set in the 1990's and the author herself takes us through her early years in the small county of Xintian, where she lives a simple, close-knit life with her family. however, when her father¡¯s job moves the family to the city of Guangzhou, Yinfan is thrust into a world of new dialects, unfamiliar rules, and the emotional turbulence of being a newcomer.
one of the most fascinating thing about this book is Yinfan¡¯s journey to find her identity. the cultural shift from a rural area to an urban environment, paired with the added pressure of adapting to school life, brings forth feelings of isolation and loneliness. Yinfan yearns for friendship and struggles to find where she fits in among her peers. her attempts to adapt to the fast-paced, city life are relatable to anyone who has faced challenges while trying to belong in a new environment. as she grapples with these external pressures, readers witness her internal journey toward self-acceptance.
one of the most heartwarming moment comes when a classmate helps Yinfan realize that she doesn¡¯t need to change herself to be liked. this realization is powerful and carries a universal message:
"the importance of loving oneself and embracing individuality." a theme that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
the illustrations, they were so beautiful. it also offers a glimpse into life in 1990s China, enriching the reader¡¯s understanding of the country¡¯s cultural nuances, familial expectations, and the pressures that youth face. These details provide historical and cultural context that deepen the emotional impact of Yinfan¡¯s journey.
overall, this book felt like a warm hug and a cup of tea. a heartfelt and inspiring story about self-discovery, friendship, and the trials of growing up. Yinfan's narrative and illustrations work together to create a relatable and uplifting book that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
It is a beautiful reminder that the challenges of growing up are universal, and that self-acceptance is the key to true happiness.
thank you so much for my copy Kids Can Press! i'm keeping this forever ??
March 28, 2025
This is the autobiography of a lone child in China. Part of what makes it interesting is that the lone child is female and what we learned in the US was that male children were preferred. This story is about a young girl learning to be her own friend and recognizing true friends. The story is interesting but slow. We see Yinfin as a child with a family, both large and small. This book is about the everyday things that make life. It¡¯s an interesting look and an interesting autobiography, but not one I think will be long remembered.
February 4, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this graphic novel memoir, we see Yinfan, who is being raised by her Mama and Baba, as well as nearby family members. After an idyllic childhood, she heads to school, where her mother has let her skip preschool. This doesn¡¯t work as well as expected, since Yinyin doesn¡¯t know Pinyin as well as she would like, and struggles with this aspect of learning, although work at home and a tutor help. When her father gets a job in Guangzhou, she is left with her grandparents, Waigong and Waipo, for a while. They live with family for a bit, but eventually get their own small apartment. Yinyin struggles with language again, since her family speaks a slightly different dialect. Her new school has very precise rules, and she sometimes has trouble following them. Being an only child, she is lonely without her extended family, even though they weren¡¯t always perfect. She briefly makes a new friend, Hong, but after a childhood mishap, is told to stay away from her. When her grandparents retire and move closer, there is a brief reprieve from her loneliness. After a robbery, the family moves to a better neighborhood, and Yinfan enters middle school and starts her military training. After some rocky times trying to be a ¡°cool kid¡±, Yinfan makes peace with herself and her family life.
Strengths: This is an interesting slice of life of China in the early 2000s, and I was particularly mesmerized by all of the rules in the schools, and the idea of military training in middle school. I can¡¯t imagine US students being okay with not only uniforms, but also very prescribed ideas about haircuts and colors. Children were not even allowed to be left handed! The two color illustrations (orange and vibrant green) set this apart from other graphic novels.
Weaknesses: I¡¯m not sure my students will like the art style. It¡¯s really hard for me to understand why they like some titles and not others. The closer the style is to Raina Telgemeier or manga, the more they seem to like it. One graphic novel that I really enjoyed, Doodles from the Boogie Down, often sits on the shelf until I personally hand it to students. It¡¯s sad that my students aren¡¯t more adventurous with their reading!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed graphic novels describing life in other countries, like McLeod¡¯s Continental Drifter, Chan¡¯s Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves or possibly Khor's The Legend of Auntie Po, which has a similar style of drawing.
In this graphic novel memoir, we see Yinfan, who is being raised by her Mama and Baba, as well as nearby family members. After an idyllic childhood, she heads to school, where her mother has let her skip preschool. This doesn¡¯t work as well as expected, since Yinyin doesn¡¯t know Pinyin as well as she would like, and struggles with this aspect of learning, although work at home and a tutor help. When her father gets a job in Guangzhou, she is left with her grandparents, Waigong and Waipo, for a while. They live with family for a bit, but eventually get their own small apartment. Yinyin struggles with language again, since her family speaks a slightly different dialect. Her new school has very precise rules, and she sometimes has trouble following them. Being an only child, she is lonely without her extended family, even though they weren¡¯t always perfect. She briefly makes a new friend, Hong, but after a childhood mishap, is told to stay away from her. When her grandparents retire and move closer, there is a brief reprieve from her loneliness. After a robbery, the family moves to a better neighborhood, and Yinfan enters middle school and starts her military training. After some rocky times trying to be a ¡°cool kid¡±, Yinfan makes peace with herself and her family life.
Strengths: This is an interesting slice of life of China in the early 2000s, and I was particularly mesmerized by all of the rules in the schools, and the idea of military training in middle school. I can¡¯t imagine US students being okay with not only uniforms, but also very prescribed ideas about haircuts and colors. Children were not even allowed to be left handed! The two color illustrations (orange and vibrant green) set this apart from other graphic novels.
Weaknesses: I¡¯m not sure my students will like the art style. It¡¯s really hard for me to understand why they like some titles and not others. The closer the style is to Raina Telgemeier or manga, the more they seem to like it. One graphic novel that I really enjoyed, Doodles from the Boogie Down, often sits on the shelf until I personally hand it to students. It¡¯s sad that my students aren¡¯t more adventurous with their reading!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed graphic novels describing life in other countries, like McLeod¡¯s Continental Drifter, Chan¡¯s Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves or possibly Khor's The Legend of Auntie Po, which has a similar style of drawing.
February 13, 2025
3.o
I'd describe Yellow Singing Sail as a sweet, quick read with beautiful art and interesting insights into what childhood was like for the author living and attending elementary/middle school in 1990s China. I really resonated with the art style: the orange and green palette made this stand out from other graphic novels where the color can feel overwhelming, and the softness of the illustrations gave the story a sweet, nostalgic tint, like a memory. I think that this helped the illustrations reflect the reflective and gentle tone of the memoir.
I will say that I felt this memoir was quite surface-level, and I often found myself wishing for much more. I wanted to know more about the friend Yinfan makes and bikes with. The scene set at the military camp was so striking, and I wished we'd lingered there longer. Even some of the descriptions of and interactions with Yinfan's family members, particularly the aunt with whom her family lives for some time after moving to Guangzhou, felt a little too rushed for me. I did really appreciate the exploration of the various dialects spoken in the various communities Yinfan is part of, and particularly the transformation Cantonese makes: beginning as a language associated with crass humor because the numbers 9 and 10 sound like the Mandarin for dog poop, it transitions to represent the "cool kids" when Yinfan starts at a middle school where more students speak Cantonese at home. Again, though, I wished to delve more into this topic through Yinfan's eyes.
All said, I would probably best recommend this to an older elementary student or a younger middle schooler who's interested in learning about other cultures in a slice-of-life, memory-based way.
Thanks, NetGalley and Kids Can Press, for the eARC.
I'd describe Yellow Singing Sail as a sweet, quick read with beautiful art and interesting insights into what childhood was like for the author living and attending elementary/middle school in 1990s China. I really resonated with the art style: the orange and green palette made this stand out from other graphic novels where the color can feel overwhelming, and the softness of the illustrations gave the story a sweet, nostalgic tint, like a memory. I think that this helped the illustrations reflect the reflective and gentle tone of the memoir.
I will say that I felt this memoir was quite surface-level, and I often found myself wishing for much more. I wanted to know more about the friend Yinfan makes and bikes with. The scene set at the military camp was so striking, and I wished we'd lingered there longer. Even some of the descriptions of and interactions with Yinfan's family members, particularly the aunt with whom her family lives for some time after moving to Guangzhou, felt a little too rushed for me. I did really appreciate the exploration of the various dialects spoken in the various communities Yinfan is part of, and particularly the transformation Cantonese makes: beginning as a language associated with crass humor because the numbers 9 and 10 sound like the Mandarin for dog poop, it transitions to represent the "cool kids" when Yinfan starts at a middle school where more students speak Cantonese at home. Again, though, I wished to delve more into this topic through Yinfan's eyes.
All said, I would probably best recommend this to an older elementary student or a younger middle schooler who's interested in learning about other cultures in a slice-of-life, memory-based way.
Thanks, NetGalley and Kids Can Press, for the eARC.
April 15, 2025
I somehow either missed or forgot that this was a graphic novel, so imagine my surprise when I opened up the e-book. Ugh, I wish I could've read it as a physical book and looked at the pictures properly and felt the paper, etc. Still, it was cute (illustration and childhood memory wise) and insightful! As someone from a country that used to be part of the USSR, there are some parallels to my or rather my parents, grandparents, etc. history and childhoods. I guess, what was missing for me was maybe a deeper emotional connection with the main character (aka the author's childhood self) or a bit more connection between the chapters and maybe a stronger ongoing theme/plotline. I don't know, I suppose, the theme was loneliness and the journey to finding and accepting one's own identity. However, the chapters felt a bit too much like just scenes and stories from the author's childhood in a chronological manner, instead of one connected story. But, considering that it's biographical, maybe that makes sense and is okay...? This is also Middle Grade and a graphic novel, so I accept that the level of depth and emotional detail, exploration, etc. that I might like would maybe be a bit much for it as well.
Regardless, all in all - cute, insightful, not heavy, and probably best enjoyed as a physical book.
(Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the e-ARC!)
Regardless, all in all - cute, insightful, not heavy, and probably best enjoyed as a physical book.
(Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the e-ARC!)
March 7, 2025
This is a graphic novel memoir for middle graders, depicting the author's childhood in China in the 90s. The art style is quite unique, with a very limited watercolor palette and drawings that aren't very detailed. I've seen other reviewers say they loved the art style for how soft and soothing it is, but I personally didn't resonate with it.
The narrative elements of the memoir were generally wholesome and interesting to me, as someone from a different culture. However, I rather felt like something was missing. The incidents the author portrays here are often quite minor, and they're episodic, not really amounting to a cohesive narrative. There is little depth to the anecdotes, and they often left me wanting to know more.
On the whole, this is a nice memoir that's quite suited to older elementary school readers or younger middle graders. I would call this a slice-of-life memoir, and unfortunately that kind of narrative structure is not something I generally enjoy. It might work better for readers who do enjoy slice-of-life.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
The narrative elements of the memoir were generally wholesome and interesting to me, as someone from a different culture. However, I rather felt like something was missing. The incidents the author portrays here are often quite minor, and they're episodic, not really amounting to a cohesive narrative. There is little depth to the anecdotes, and they often left me wanting to know more.
On the whole, this is a nice memoir that's quite suited to older elementary school readers or younger middle graders. I would call this a slice-of-life memoir, and unfortunately that kind of narrative structure is not something I generally enjoy. It might work better for readers who do enjoy slice-of-life.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
January 21, 2025
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*But more importantly, I realized that I could be my own friend*
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Yellow Singing Sail is a heartwarming illustrated memoir that follows Yinfan's journey of growing up. The book beautifully captures a range of emotions¡ªsadness, frustration, fear, joy, and the complexities of friendship and family. Yinfan's emotional intelligence shines through, even at a young age, as she navigates these experiences. I loved the charming illustrations and the relatable moments, particularly Yinfan's struggles with friendship and feelings of not belonging. Reading this made me appreciate the little things in life that we kind of stop doing as we get older: sitting under the moon, doodling in school books, playing hide-and-seek with your family and bike rides at the park.
The book poignantly portrays the bittersweet reality of friendships that fade over time and the significant influence family has on our younger days, shaping our choices and even our social circles. I feel that this book will resonate with anyone, regardless of age or background. It teaches the importance of being comfortable with yourself and understand that not everyone is perfect, and that¡¯s perfectly normal.
I'm really glad I stumbled upon this book, and I'm equally happy that I enjoyed my time reading it. This is definitely a story that will stay with me for a long time ?(¡É^o^)?©¥¡î©b
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many thanks to NetGalley, Kids Can Press, and Yinfan Huang for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
all thoughts are entirely my own and may differ from others
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*But more importantly, I realized that I could be my own friend*
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Yellow Singing Sail is a heartwarming illustrated memoir that follows Yinfan's journey of growing up. The book beautifully captures a range of emotions¡ªsadness, frustration, fear, joy, and the complexities of friendship and family. Yinfan's emotional intelligence shines through, even at a young age, as she navigates these experiences. I loved the charming illustrations and the relatable moments, particularly Yinfan's struggles with friendship and feelings of not belonging. Reading this made me appreciate the little things in life that we kind of stop doing as we get older: sitting under the moon, doodling in school books, playing hide-and-seek with your family and bike rides at the park.
The book poignantly portrays the bittersweet reality of friendships that fade over time and the significant influence family has on our younger days, shaping our choices and even our social circles. I feel that this book will resonate with anyone, regardless of age or background. It teaches the importance of being comfortable with yourself and understand that not everyone is perfect, and that¡¯s perfectly normal.
I'm really glad I stumbled upon this book, and I'm equally happy that I enjoyed my time reading it. This is definitely a story that will stay with me for a long time ?(¡É^o^)?©¥¡î©b
__________________ ??????
©® ? ©® . ©® ©®
©® ©®? ©® .
©® ©® ?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
?. ©® ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
? ¡ï
many thanks to NetGalley, Kids Can Press, and Yinfan Huang for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
all thoughts are entirely my own and may differ from others
March 6, 2025
A very quick, simple read. Yellow Singing Sail, which is how you translate YinFan¡¯s name, writes about what it is like growing up under the One Child policy. She doesn¡¯t notice when her family lives in the countryside, because her parents always have time with her, and she lives near relatives. It isn't until she moves to the city, when her parents move for work, that she realizes what it is to be lonely.
What is also interesting is how mater-of-factly she talks about things that are odd to those in the West. She tells how she has to wear a red kerchief as part of her school uniform, and how she is punished when she loses it.
Another incident she writes about, as though it is perfectly normal, is how one summer, in middle-school, all the kids had to do mandatory military training, the way kids in the West go to Summer camp.
A good way to experience a life that is different than our own.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 3rd of June 2025.
What is also interesting is how mater-of-factly she talks about things that are odd to those in the West. She tells how she has to wear a red kerchief as part of her school uniform, and how she is punished when she loses it.
Another incident she writes about, as though it is perfectly normal, is how one summer, in middle-school, all the kids had to do mandatory military training, the way kids in the West go to Summer camp.
A good way to experience a life that is different than our own.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 3rd of June 2025.
June 13, 2025
Yellow Singing Sail is a heartfelt and beautifully written memoir that gracefully captures the complexity of growing up as an only child in China. Yinfan Huang¡¯s story is both intimate and universal¡ªrich with cultural detail while remaining accessible and relatable to readers of all backgrounds.
Huang offers a tender, introspective look at childhood, solitude, and creativity, all shaped by the unique context of China¡¯s one-child policy. Despite what could have been a lonely upbringing, Yinfan fills her world with imagination and resilience. Her voice is honest, observant, and deeply personal, pulling readers into her memories with warmth and quiet strength.
One of the book¡¯s greatest strengths is its ability to highlight cultural differences without alienating readers. Instead, Huang invites us in, encouraging empathy and connection. Yellow Singing Sail is a gem of a memoir, perfect for anyone who enjoys thoughtful storytelling, cross-cultural perspectives, and coming-of-age reflections.
Huang offers a tender, introspective look at childhood, solitude, and creativity, all shaped by the unique context of China¡¯s one-child policy. Despite what could have been a lonely upbringing, Yinfan fills her world with imagination and resilience. Her voice is honest, observant, and deeply personal, pulling readers into her memories with warmth and quiet strength.
One of the book¡¯s greatest strengths is its ability to highlight cultural differences without alienating readers. Instead, Huang invites us in, encouraging empathy and connection. Yellow Singing Sail is a gem of a memoir, perfect for anyone who enjoys thoughtful storytelling, cross-cultural perspectives, and coming-of-age reflections.
June 27, 2025
A middle grade graphic memoir filled with the childhood musings of a Chinese girl.
In the story you follow YinFan and her parents as they find their place in China.
Themes as friendship, loneliness, kindness, shame, comfort, belonging and self compassion come forward as you read through the different memories. The longing and search for a friend is a very relatable theme for readers.
Through the story I discovered a lot about Chinese (school)culture.
I really liked the minimalist drawing style with the red and green colors.
This book stands out as a middle grade graphic memoir because it¡¯s soft paced and character driven, and it seems that there are not so much of these books already.
If you want to read about a honest, gentle paced book on the search of belonging in Chinese culture, definitely give this book a try.
Thanks a lot to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
In the story you follow YinFan and her parents as they find their place in China.
Themes as friendship, loneliness, kindness, shame, comfort, belonging and self compassion come forward as you read through the different memories. The longing and search for a friend is a very relatable theme for readers.
Through the story I discovered a lot about Chinese (school)culture.
I really liked the minimalist drawing style with the red and green colors.
This book stands out as a middle grade graphic memoir because it¡¯s soft paced and character driven, and it seems that there are not so much of these books already.
If you want to read about a honest, gentle paced book on the search of belonging in Chinese culture, definitely give this book a try.
Thanks a lot to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 3, 2025
CW: bullying
I would like to thank Edelweiss and Kids Can Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Yellow Singing Tail is an interesting look into China's one-child policy and how it ultimately impacts Huang's ability to connect with others growing up. The plot does kind of jump around a bit due to the nature of Huang's writing style of capturing vignettes of her childhood, but it didn't impact my reading of the book. I also felt that the message of learning to be kind to yourself as your own friend while also recognizing the fact that you shouldn't have to hide who you are from real friends are very important that I feel kids can take something away from this book.
I would like to thank Edelweiss and Kids Can Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Yellow Singing Tail is an interesting look into China's one-child policy and how it ultimately impacts Huang's ability to connect with others growing up. The plot does kind of jump around a bit due to the nature of Huang's writing style of capturing vignettes of her childhood, but it didn't impact my reading of the book. I also felt that the message of learning to be kind to yourself as your own friend while also recognizing the fact that you shouldn't have to hide who you are from real friends are very important that I feel kids can take something away from this book.
February 28, 2025
Yellow Singing Sail - an intriguing title and cover draws one to the book instantly. It is an honest account of life of a single child in China, but with a universal appeal. The autobiographical memoir of Yinfan -the adorable main character - shows remarkable resilience in the face of ups and downs of life. The matter of fact and witty narration style, keeps one hooked till the end. I soon started rooting for Yinfan and could feel all the emotions. A great coming of age story accompanied with excellent graphics makes it a treat for the eyes. Relatable for both middle graders and adults, the message is effectively conveyed and satisfying.
March 8, 2025
5/5? First of all i want to say thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC of ¡°Yellow Singing Sail¡±. I really really enjoyed this graphic novel. I found the art style very cute and endearing and it complimented very well the story. The fact that this graphic novel is a memoir of Yinfan Huang herself makes it even more interesting, I myself love knowing more about asian cultures and their way of living, so this book was perfect for me! Also, i think that the fact that Yinfan Huang is sharing her childhood with the world is very brave. Again, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
March 14, 2025
An interesting look at cultural differences and hardships growing up in a society that can sometimes feel super rigid and harsh. I did want the story to have a bit more depth to it. There were so many subplots that deserved more page time, because the emotional moments had so much potential left to explore. The sectional pacing was effective at setting the stage for each transitional moment, but I wish that the narrative arc felt like it was evolving to somewhere rather than being so surface level. The approachable art style provides a personal touch that reels you in like these characters are your personal friends.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the arc!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the arc!
March 17, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc! This was such a short read but also engaging. We get to see what it is like to grow up for Yinfan in China. It was interesting to learn things in Chinese culture i wouldn¡¯t have known otherwise (like that there was a hair length limit for school). i wish it could¡¯ve been a longer story and therefore can kinda feel rushed but i feel the main point was clearly made. i hope the younger (and intended) audience takes away the great message behind the book about being yourself and not caring of the opinions others are thinking of you. i also went in slightly blind and didn¡¯t realize it would be a graphic novel memoir but it made it so much fun!
May 2, 2025
This poignant graphic novel is a memoir about the author¡¯s childhood in China under the one-child policy. While readers will relate to universal themes of self-doubt, seeking friendship, family issues, and school, readers will also get a taste of life in China. Students had to follow strict rules at school, including dress codes that dictated hairstyles and red scarves, and mandatory military training during middle school. Readers will be interested in the next chapter to learn how the author/illustrator came to move to the US.
June 2, 2025
Yellow Singing Sail is a collection of memoir vignettes about the author growing up during the late 90's in China. The simple illustrations and limited color pallette capture the feelings of childhood as Yinfan learns to navigate lonliness, friendships, and change. I would have enjoyed a more cohesive narrative as it was sometimes difficult to tell when parts of the stort took place, but overall I enjoyed it and will definitely reccomend this book to folks looking for a gentle and nostalgic read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
April 12, 2025
This is a graphic memoir about Yinfan Huang (whose name means "yellow singing sail") growing up in China and moving from the country to a city as an only child and trying to find somewhere she fit in.
This is a quick read. It's not too long and there's not very much text, so there also isn't very much depth.
I like the use of a limited color palette.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.
This is a quick read. It's not too long and there's not very much text, so there also isn't very much depth.
I like the use of a limited color palette.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.
May 19, 2025
Entertaining read that you won¡¯t want to put down until it is finished.?
The simplicity in the illustrations really help the reader focus on the story. Follow a young girl through the difficult life challenges that comes with parent¡¯s getting new jobs and having to move, being distant from relatives, being in a new school, and trying to fit in. There is a lot here for young people to relate to.
The simplicity in the illustrations really help the reader focus on the story. Follow a young girl through the difficult life challenges that comes with parent¡¯s getting new jobs and having to move, being distant from relatives, being in a new school, and trying to fit in. There is a lot here for young people to relate to.
February 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the free arc!
This is an interesting story about Yingfan who lives in China when the one child policy was in place. You learn about what her life was like with her family, without any siblings. You also learn about her experiences at school.
This is an interesting story about Yingfan who lives in China when the one child policy was in place. You learn about what her life was like with her family, without any siblings. You also learn about her experiences at school.
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February 19, 2025Reviewing for professional magazine- see review there.
June 17, 2025
A memoir of the author's childhood, told in slice-of life style vignettes. Lovely art and a intriguing peek at a childhood in another culture.
January 26, 2025
First of all, I'd like to thank NetGalley for this ARC.
I'm an avid fan of graphic novels and I do think this was a great childhood memoir representation. However, I would've enjoy it a bit more if it was a bit more detailed on friendship and family.
Anyhow, I appreciated the story and I loved the simple watercolor art style.
Final rating: 3,5 stars
I'm an avid fan of graphic novels and I do think this was a great childhood memoir representation. However, I would've enjoy it a bit more if it was a bit more detailed on friendship and family.
Anyhow, I appreciated the story and I loved the simple watercolor art style.
Final rating: 3,5 stars
February 2, 2025
A really engaging insight into growing up in China way the turn of the Millennium, a system very different to what we know in the west but it feels like it is rather lacking in a narrative arc to tie things together.
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