Just had to share how much my class and I absolutely ADORE Becoming Boba by Joanna Ho!
I was lucky enough to get this treasure directly from Joanna at the NCTE conference, and let me tell you—it’s been such a hit with my kids. (Not surprising, since they’re already huge fans of boba tea!)
The story of Mindy, a vibrant boba tea who questions whether she’s “milk tea enough,” is such a beautiful reminder of self-love and embracing what makes us unique. As Mindy dives into her history, she discovers truths that not only transform her own perception but also bring her community together.
This book doesn’t just stop at being fun and heartwarming; it’s layered with themes of cultural identity and belonging. Joanna Ho masterfully weaves in a subtle message about the Asian-American experience, making it relatable to anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re “enough” of anything.
Joanna is the brilliant mind behind Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and Friends are Friends forever (one of my all-time favorites). Her passion for equity in books and education shines through, and this story is no exception.
A little side note: I loved reading about the origins of boba tea while preparing for this post. Did you know it has ties to colonial trade routes, with tapioca pearls originating from cassava plants native to South America? It’s such a perfect metaphor for how histories and cultures intertwine—a theme Joanna captures so beautifully in this book.
Joanna, thank you for this gem. My class and I are officially #TeamMindy and will never look at boba the same way again!
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