I love seeing myself represented in YA books

As a Chinese-American, I love seeing myself represented in YA books, especially as the main character! That almost never happens! I enjoyed reading the first few chapters as Valora, a half-Chinese, half-white girl, sneaks on board to find her twin brother Jamie. When she starts speaking Cantonese to the two boys who didn't think she understood them, I was so happy. I grew up in a Cantonese-speaking family, and I never read about characters speaking Cantonese in books. I can't wait to get the book so that I can find out what happens next in Valora's adventures and if she gets to America safely.