Youth Advisory Council Recommendation: It's Boba Time for Pearl Li

It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li by Nicole Chen

“This book is heart-warming, kind, and playful. It's about being Taiwanese-American. I like this book because I am Taiwanese-American and I can really connect with the foods and what they do.” — Henry G., age 7

Pearl Li is ready to spend the summer before seventh grade hanging out with her two best friends, crocheting the cutest amigurumi dolls, and frequenting her favorite tea shop, Boba Time. Its quirky owner, Auntie Cha, is the only adult Pearl can confide in about her art—if only her tech-obsessed family would understand her love of crafts!

After Pearl learns of Boba Time’s financial troubles, she decides to sell her amigurumi to raise money for the shop. But as she navigates the ups and downs of running a business, Pearl realizes that monetizing her passion is more complicated than she could’ve ever imagined. Will she be able to stop Boba Time from closing and prove to her parents that her passion for crochet is worthy and serious?