Noodle & Bao Review

Since I’m writing a middle grade, I’m actively reading more MG than I usually do. So, for my first Middle Grade Monday post, I wanted to review the graphic novel, Noodle & Bao. It was my first read of 2025, and a nice way to kick off the year.

Title: Noodle & Bao
Author & Illustrator: Shaina Lu
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Pub Date: 10/15/24

Description

Perfect for fans of Animal Crossing and Measuring Up, this whimsical and empowering middle grade graphic novel follows a girl who helps her friend’s humble food cart stand its ground against the gentrification of their Chinatown neighborhood.

Momo has lived in Town 99 her entire life. She knows all its quirks and rhythms: the best places to buy fruit, practice tai-chi in the park, and, most of all, get the best meal: Noodle & Bao, run by Momo’s best friend, Bao, and their amah, Noodle.

But Town 99 is changing. Rent is becoming unaffordable for Momo and her parents, and even Noodle & Bao has been edged out of its storefront, which was just recently bought out by a new business venture—Fancé Cafe. Fancé is run by the ambitious Ms. Jujube and her henchmen, who claim they’re only beautifying Town 99 with good business.

Momo knows that’s not true, and knows that if she doesn’t do something, she’ll lose everything she loves about her neighborhood. From undercover recon to a cook-off proposal, protest signs to petitions, Momo and Bao are on a mission to protect Town 99. Will they succeed before it’s too late?

Review

*Thank you to HarperCollins for sending a finished copy of the book. All opinions are my own*

Noodle & Bao was both cute and inspiring. The art style and title draw you in, but the story of a girl wanting to save her community keeps you turning the pages. I love that more and more stories for young people are focusing on gentrification, and that they make organizing something that feels tangible. Not just a problem to deal with when you become an adult.

Momo was headstrong and hilarious. Sometimes she got herself in over her head, but the people around her reminded her that she didn’t have to do it all alone. A really positive message, and one that strengthened the community aspect of the book even more.

I love how much inspiration the author drew from real life Chinatown communities and activism. And the inclusion of different Chinese dialects and the characters in dialogue, instead of just the English translation, was a really nice touch.

There were a few times I felt like a panel would abruptly jump, and I felt like I was missing something, but other than that, I really enjoyed the book. If you’re looking for a book where food and community is at the heart of the story, I’d recommend this one.

Author

Shaina Lu (she/her) is a queer Taiwanese American community artist exploring the intersection of art, education, and activism. She graduated from Wellesley College and Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she studied arts in education. When she’s not creating community art, she works with young artists and makers in Boston’s Chinatown. Most important, she drinks juice every day, and she is full of sugar. Say hello at shainadoesart.com.