From the beginning, you can just tell the care and the passion that the author used to convey this story. Not only is the art gorgeous, but the way taht Shing Yin Khor weaves storytelling telling into this historical fiction graphic novel is masterful. I can see why it was nominated for the National Book Award!

Outside of the factual aspects of the story, the characters are also extremely well developed. I loved Mei and her father, and the way their relationship with Bee's family fluctuated felt realistic and authentic. There are also hints of Mei's queerness, but it's never really said outright (which also feels realistic for that time period). Everything about this graphic novel just works so well together. Plus, I am a sucker for that watercolor graphic novel style.