It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li!

When her favorite boba shop faces closure, a Taiwanese American 12-year-old tests her business savvy, challenging her tech-oriented family’s objection to her creative passions. While her busy parents concentrate on their startup, Pearl Li anticipates a summer of crocheting adorable amigurumi and hanging out at Boba Time with her two best friends: Priya, who’s of Indian descent, and Cindy, who moved recently from Hong Kong. The shop and its charismatic Taiwanese owner, Auntie Cha, are staples in their California town, so when Boba Time experiences financial difficulties thanks to a popular Taiwanese dessert chain’s opening, Pearl seeks to secretly raise money by selling her creations. But despite her awareness and resentment of her parents’ time-sucking startup, doing business is a lot harder than Pearl thinks, especially with her parents vocally doubting the idea. She quickly encounters the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life, seeking to prove to herself and her family that her passion is valid. As Pearl and the people around her move toward appreciation and learn from one another, Chen (How We Say I Love You) writes an upbeat story of being true to oneself while embracing one’s culture and developing empathy. Back matter includes a glossary of business terms and a boba tea recipe. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jamie Weiss Chilton, Andrea Brown Literary. (Feb.)