Trigger Warning(s): Bullying and racism.

Reading Challenge: #PondathonII

Rep: Yumi and her family are Korean American. Ginny is Korean American. Manuel is Salvadoran American. Felipe is Mexican American.

My Thoughts Before Reading: I had seen this book floating around Twitter in 2020. I love middle grade books and was so excited about this one! I have never read a book which follows an aspiring comedian.

I am happy to say that I enjoyed it!

What I Liked: The comedy aspect was so much fun! I loved reading from Yumi’s secret comedy notebook. The Haha club’s meetings and improvs were so cool and innovative. I almost wished I was there with Yumi and doing the same activities! I also really liked reading about the Korean restaurant. The food descriptions will definitely leave readers hungry!

Jessica Kim was able to capture Yumi in her entirety. From her awkward thoughts and feelings, to the deeper side of Yumi-wherein she was afraid to disappoint herself and her parents. I was so in awe over how well the book was written! I truly do believe it takes a certain creativity to capture a childs voice and Kim definitely succeeded.

Yumi’s relationship with her parents were complicated. Like many immigrant parents her parents want the best for her and don’t really see her interest in comedy as anything more than a hobby. When her mother suggests the taking the exam in order to get a scholarship, she is un-surprisingly not very happy about it. However Yumi doesn’t feel she can say so because of the familial guilt that comes with being the child of immigrant parents. The need not to disappoint her parents, to work hard and fulfill their dreams for her.

I really appreciated that Kim never portrays Yumi’s parents as the horrible and stereotypical ones that you see in a lot of media. They are fully fleshed out and have some really deep moments with Yumi. That specific scene with Yumi and her father towards the end brought tears to my eyes. And Yumi’s mother supporting her by rehashing advice that Yumi got from watching comedy videos, really touched my heart and made me root for Yumi even more.

I loved reading about Yumi and her sister Yuri’s relationship! Yuri is almost like a second mom to Yumi (there is a large age difference). Yumi idolizes Yuri. She thinks that Yuri is untouchable and someone who has it all figured out. Of course she doesn’t, and has her own story arc. Which was done beautifully.

Yuri supports Yumi’s love for comedy and tries to come to her defense when she can. Even so much as trying to convince their parents to let Yumi attend the Haha club. When Yumi is inevitably in way over her head she even gives Yumi the means to get out of the situation before it all blows up. Yumi in turn also supports Yuri’s new career direction. Not immediately but she comes around and what counts is that Yumi supports her sister.

Yumi had some really solid friendships in this book! Like with the restaurants cook Manuel, who loves hearing about Yumi’s jokes. Ginny who supports Yumi not necessarily in a way Yumi wants but is still there for her. Felipe and Sienna whom attend the Haha club and had such sweet moments with Yumi. These three were constantly cheering each other and I lived for it!

Yumi’s character development was done so beautifully! I loved reading about her growth, her newfound confidence in herself, and letting go of the fear of disappointing herself and others around her. It was spread throughout the entire novel, stemming from her experience in the haha club. And even the relationships she had with everyone in her life.

My Criticism(s): Absolutely nothing!

Conclusion: Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Stand Up, Yumi Chung! I highly recommend it if you are looking for a light middle grade novel.