Stella: On the Edge of Popularity

Stella is a Korean American girl facing the all-too-familiar struggles with popularity in junior high school. Lauren Lee accurately captures the tormented atmosphere of pre-pubescence, where more often than not, popularity is determined by wealth and traditional (i.e. "white") standards of beauty. Throughout the book, Stella is embarrassed by her family and her Korean background, but she eventually discovers pride in being Korean despite her frequent encounters with racism. As a second generation Korean American woman, I found the book to be reminiscent of the painful nastiness of the world of adolescence, as well as a reaffirmation of my culture. I highly recommend this book for young Korean Americans who are facing the same struggles.