Find Your Place

TFK Kid Reporter Disha Rai read Uprooted, and interviewed Ruth Chan, its author. Read Disha’s thoughts below.

Uprooted is a graphic memoir that follows the true story of Ruth Chan, the book’s author and illustrator. She tells the story of the biggest change of her life: from freezing winters and tobogganing in Toronto, Canada, to hot summers and super big shopping malls in Hong Kong. Chan writes about her journey, her struggles, and her loathing for chicken feet.

Chan faces multiple challenges after she moves to Hong Kong. These include the language, the unfamiliar traditions, and her new school. But she overcomes these struggles. She learns the importance of patience, strength, and persistence. Eventually, she comes to love her new home.

Chan now writes and illustrates full-time in Brooklyn, New York. In an interview with TFK, she talked about learning to navigate through the bustling city of Hong Kong. She also mentioned meeting people who are still her friends today. “When we really dig deep in ourselves and we find our courage, and our perseverance, and give ourselves patience,” she said, “we can get through that really hard thing, and we end up okay on the other side.”

Uprooted is a perfect mix of humor and heartfelt moments. I asked Chan if she has any advice for those who have been uprooted. She said, “You kind of just have to trust that you are going to make those friends, you are going to get used to where you are. You’re going to learn to love things about this whole new place. Give yourself time!”

Did Chan ever learn to love chicken feet? Read Uprooted and find out!