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Holly-Mei #3
The Not-So-Simple Question: A Holly-Mei Book
"I can't wait for readers to explore Hong Kong with Holly-Mei. I have no doubt they will love both as much as I did." —Erin Entrada Kelly, 2018 Newbery Medalist and 2021 Newbery Honoree on The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei
Return to Hong Kong in the third book of this charming middle grade series starring Holly-Mei, a girl navigating her new city, new school, and new friendships.
Holly-Mei is caught in the middle.
Holly-Mei Jones has finally settled into her new friend group in Hong Kong—that is until suddenly everyone starts talking about dating. Which Holly-Mei is not ready for.
At least she has her school’s Experience Week to look forward to. Holly-Mei can’t wait to show off Taiwan, where her beloved Ah-Ma is from, to her friends. The trip is going to be perfect…right?
Maybe not. On top of the pressure to date, Holly-Mei starts to wonder if maybe being half-Taiwanese isn’t enough. In the face of these big questions, will Holly-Mei be able to finally feel like she belongs?
Return to Hong Kong in the third book of this charming middle grade series starring Holly-Mei, a girl navigating her new city, new school, and new friendships.
Holly-Mei is caught in the middle.
Holly-Mei Jones has finally settled into her new friend group in Hong Kong—that is until suddenly everyone starts talking about dating. Which Holly-Mei is not ready for.
At least she has her school’s Experience Week to look forward to. Holly-Mei can’t wait to show off Taiwan, where her beloved Ah-Ma is from, to her friends. The trip is going to be perfect…right?
Maybe not. On top of the pressure to date, Holly-Mei starts to wonder if maybe being half-Taiwanese isn’t enough. In the face of these big questions, will Holly-Mei be able to finally feel like she belongs?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2024
4 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Christina Matula
7 books52 followersChristina Matula is from Canada and is of Taiwanese-Hungarian heritage. Being a child of immigrant parents, she has always been curious about other cultures and far-off places. Moving to Hong Kong gave Christina the chance to explore her Chinese cultural roots (amazing food, fascinating festivals) and learn some Mandarin (constant uphill climb). She loves eating dumplings, playing field hockey, and hiking with her family and puppy.
She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Hong Kong and is represented by Carrie Pestritto of Laura Dail Literary Agency.
She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Hong Kong and is represented by Carrie Pestritto of Laura Dail Literary Agency.
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April 1, 2024Young Adult Social Issues, Young Adult Family, Young Adult People & Places
Miniseries
A Holly-Mei Book (Book #3)
Miniseries
A Holly-Mei Book (Book #3)
January 15, 2025
I love this series and am so sad it’s concluding with this book, another absolute winner from Christina Matula. In this story, Holly-Mei travels to Taiwan for a school trip, resists the pressure to date, and comes to terms with her identity as Chinese-British-Canadian teen. Holly-Mei’s voice shines through just as radiantly as it does in the first two books. I’m going to miss her!
November 11, 2024
this series means so much to me 🥺🫶🏼
April 17, 2024
The Not-So-Simple Question explores how ethnicity, nationality, culture and race shape how and what a person identifies themselves as. Hols finds the comment by one of her classmates about being only half Taiwanese unsettling and it makes her feel insecure. She questions what "only" really implies. "In the context of pizza, it sounds like you're expecting more." She compares herself to other students who she believes are fully immersed into their culture, and envies how deeply connected to their heritage they seem to be. They can speak the highest level of the language and play an instrument native to their culture. But as she begins to explore Taiwan and interacts with more people, she learns the distinctions between ethnicity and nationality, and that countries are made up of many different cultures. She realizes that she doesn't need to favor one side over the other but is instead free to define her personal identify as she wishes.
Even without reading any of the previous books in the series, this book stands well on its own. I found the drama and stressors of dating are portrayed in a way that can resonate with those who are experiencing similar apprehensions about boyfriends and the timing of starting to date. I absolutely loved Hols trip to Taiwan. The author's lovely, detailed and immersive descriptions of the foods, sights and sounds of Hols exploration of Tawain makes you feel like you're experiencing all the same things as Hols. The mentions of the foods that she ate were so detailed that it made my mouth water. I enjoyed following all the places she visited and learning the complex issues surrounding Taiwan's potential reunification or separation from Japan. As well as found the insights into colonialism's impact on Taiwan's Aboriginal people and the cultural distinctions between Hong Kong and Taiwan to be very enlightening. As a bonus, the Dragon Boat Race and Hols Field Hockey added a bit of a sports vibe that was enjoyable. Overall, this story was a pleasure to read, and I would highly recommend it.
**A huge thank you to Banholzer PR for the uncorrected E-ARC in exchange for a review.**
Even without reading any of the previous books in the series, this book stands well on its own. I found the drama and stressors of dating are portrayed in a way that can resonate with those who are experiencing similar apprehensions about boyfriends and the timing of starting to date. I absolutely loved Hols trip to Taiwan. The author's lovely, detailed and immersive descriptions of the foods, sights and sounds of Hols exploration of Tawain makes you feel like you're experiencing all the same things as Hols. The mentions of the foods that she ate were so detailed that it made my mouth water. I enjoyed following all the places she visited and learning the complex issues surrounding Taiwan's potential reunification or separation from Japan. As well as found the insights into colonialism's impact on Taiwan's Aboriginal people and the cultural distinctions between Hong Kong and Taiwan to be very enlightening. As a bonus, the Dragon Boat Race and Hols Field Hockey added a bit of a sports vibe that was enjoyable. Overall, this story was a pleasure to read, and I would highly recommend it.
**A huge thank you to Banholzer PR for the uncorrected E-ARC in exchange for a review.**
March 30, 2024
Copy provided by the publisher
In this final book in the series (The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly Mei and The Not-So-Perfect Plan), we return to Hong Kong. Holly-Mei has settled in to life at Tai Tam Prep, and has gotten used to having a housekeeper and driver, something the family did not have back in Toronto. She misses Ah-Ma, her grandmother, who has stayed behind while Holly's mother has her new job. Millie, Holly's younger sister, is still obsessed with social media and fashion, while Holly just wants to hang out with her friends. Now that Gemma is planning a couple's party for her thirteenth birthday, the friend group is obsessed with dating and boyfriends. Rosie, Holly's cousin, is devastated when Henry breaks up with her because his parents think he is too young to date. Holly agrees, and does NOT want to have to think about asking a boy to Gemma's party. There are plenty of other things to keep her occupied, like practicing her rowing for the dragon boat races and going to Taiwan for her Experience Week Trip. She is interested to travel to Ah-Ma's childhood home, which has been turned into a museum, but comments from people like Jenny, who is also going to Taiwan, make her question her identity. While her mother's side of the family is Taiwanese, her father is from England, and Holly doesn't speak any subgroup of Chinese very well. Jenny is critical of the fact that Holly is only "half", and Holly worries about this. The trip is interesting, with the Tai Tam students going to a school and traveling to different locations. Holly gets to meet cousins, who make comments about her grasp of the language and her appearance. It's helpful to talk to her parents when she gets home, and they help her process her feelings about her heritage. With Gemma's party coming up, Holly and her friends debate whether or not they really have to take dates. Snowy is especially pushy about this, but it turns out that she is just trying to deflect attention from the fact that she likes girls, since she feels that this admission might ruin her social media presence. Millie, who has been struggling with acne and who also has to get glasses, is very concerned about losing Instagram followers because of the changes in her appearance, but Holly helps her see that if people don't like the real her, they aren't worth Millie's attention. In the end, Holly and her friends are able to enjoy Gemma's party and feel good about embracing their true selves.
Strengths: I didn't get to travel anywhere for spring break, so reading this was a great vicarious trip! There are so many details about places to visit in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and LOTS of descriptions of snacks and food! Of course, Holly is not on vacation; even the trip to Taiwan requires her to write a paper about what she has learned. The friend and boy drama will appeal to many middle grade readers, and the idea of having birthday parties at Disneyland (like Holly does) or other upscale venues will be mind blowing to my students. Of course, there are serious issues to be faced as well, and Holly struggles with her identity, feeling torn between her Taiwanese and British heritage, and never feeling enough of either. Matula does a great job of bringing her own background to a middle grade novel and making all of Holly's experiences very vivid and exciting. I'm curious to see what she will write next now that this series is complete.
Weaknesses: My students might have a hard time believing all of the details about what would be considered a VERY posh life here in Ohio, but this is a great way for them to broaden their horizons!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like all of the private school drama of Russell's Dork Diaries, or who want a good look at what it is like to attend school in a different country. I'm always on the lookout for books set in other countries, written by authors who can include all of the details about daily life, travels, and local cuisine!
In this final book in the series (The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly Mei and The Not-So-Perfect Plan), we return to Hong Kong. Holly-Mei has settled in to life at Tai Tam Prep, and has gotten used to having a housekeeper and driver, something the family did not have back in Toronto. She misses Ah-Ma, her grandmother, who has stayed behind while Holly's mother has her new job. Millie, Holly's younger sister, is still obsessed with social media and fashion, while Holly just wants to hang out with her friends. Now that Gemma is planning a couple's party for her thirteenth birthday, the friend group is obsessed with dating and boyfriends. Rosie, Holly's cousin, is devastated when Henry breaks up with her because his parents think he is too young to date. Holly agrees, and does NOT want to have to think about asking a boy to Gemma's party. There are plenty of other things to keep her occupied, like practicing her rowing for the dragon boat races and going to Taiwan for her Experience Week Trip. She is interested to travel to Ah-Ma's childhood home, which has been turned into a museum, but comments from people like Jenny, who is also going to Taiwan, make her question her identity. While her mother's side of the family is Taiwanese, her father is from England, and Holly doesn't speak any subgroup of Chinese very well. Jenny is critical of the fact that Holly is only "half", and Holly worries about this. The trip is interesting, with the Tai Tam students going to a school and traveling to different locations. Holly gets to meet cousins, who make comments about her grasp of the language and her appearance. It's helpful to talk to her parents when she gets home, and they help her process her feelings about her heritage. With Gemma's party coming up, Holly and her friends debate whether or not they really have to take dates. Snowy is especially pushy about this, but it turns out that she is just trying to deflect attention from the fact that she likes girls, since she feels that this admission might ruin her social media presence. Millie, who has been struggling with acne and who also has to get glasses, is very concerned about losing Instagram followers because of the changes in her appearance, but Holly helps her see that if people don't like the real her, they aren't worth Millie's attention. In the end, Holly and her friends are able to enjoy Gemma's party and feel good about embracing their true selves.
Strengths: I didn't get to travel anywhere for spring break, so reading this was a great vicarious trip! There are so many details about places to visit in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and LOTS of descriptions of snacks and food! Of course, Holly is not on vacation; even the trip to Taiwan requires her to write a paper about what she has learned. The friend and boy drama will appeal to many middle grade readers, and the idea of having birthday parties at Disneyland (like Holly does) or other upscale venues will be mind blowing to my students. Of course, there are serious issues to be faced as well, and Holly struggles with her identity, feeling torn between her Taiwanese and British heritage, and never feeling enough of either. Matula does a great job of bringing her own background to a middle grade novel and making all of Holly's experiences very vivid and exciting. I'm curious to see what she will write next now that this series is complete.
Weaknesses: My students might have a hard time believing all of the details about what would be considered a VERY posh life here in Ohio, but this is a great way for them to broaden their horizons!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like all of the private school drama of Russell's Dork Diaries, or who want a good look at what it is like to attend school in a different country. I'm always on the lookout for books set in other countries, written by authors who can include all of the details about daily life, travels, and local cuisine!
January 20, 2025
This book defies pretty much all the books for young people I have read. It’s not salacious. Does not cast teens into an adult world. The parents are not dead or on drugs or the street. It’s not gritty. The kids families are one percenters which matches what readers seem to want from book characters, in defiance to the reality. But the issue is a standard one: peer pressure for dating, which one kid does not want. There are real school and family issues which our protagonist is concerned about. Those are foregrounded, not backgrounded or non-existent.
It’s refreshing and has me thinking and feeling for readers who have been fed gritty situations. Idk. I feel like I am an outlier here, and as an African American I am torn. Books are away to draw attention to social issues and injustices. To not forget the children caught in them. But do they need a steady diet of that? It is normalizing the unjust situations or spurring people to action to correct issues or is it like eco-tourism or the people viewing the damage of the L.A. fires? That is where the homeowners of lost homes posted a sign that said if you can tour my tragedy you can help. That should not be necessary.
I am confused but this book has made me stop and wonder what is appropriate and in the best interests of children who read?
It’s refreshing and has me thinking and feeling for readers who have been fed gritty situations. Idk. I feel like I am an outlier here, and as an African American I am torn. Books are away to draw attention to social issues and injustices. To not forget the children caught in them. But do they need a steady diet of that? It is normalizing the unjust situations or spurring people to action to correct issues or is it like eco-tourism or the people viewing the damage of the L.A. fires? That is where the homeowners of lost homes posted a sign that said if you can tour my tragedy you can help. That should not be necessary.
I am confused but this book has made me stop and wonder what is appropriate and in the best interests of children who read?
March 14, 2025
Title: The Not-So-Simple Question
Author: Christina Matula
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Summary:
The third book in the Holly-Mei series, The Not-So-Simple Question, follows twelve-year-old Holly-Mei Jones as she continues to adjust to life in Hong Kong following her transfer from Toronto. She must deal with the challenges of puberty, such as social pressure related to dating, something that she is not yet prepared to handle. The story also centres on Holly-Mei's excitement for Experience Week at her school, during which she plans to show her friends Taiwan, the country of her mother. Holly-Mei struggles with worries about her heritage and looks for a sense of identity throughout the trip.
Favourite Character:
The main character, Holly-Mei, is enjoyable and relatable. I respect her bravery in going against the standards of society and her will to learn about her heritage. Her growth throughout the book is motivating.
Personal Reflection:
I really enjoyed this book. It shows what it’s like to be a teenager and try to understand who you are. The story made me think about my own experiences growing up.
Recommendation:
I recommend this book for middle school readers and anyone who enjoys stories about growing up and finding who you are.
Rating:
5/5
I gave this book 5 stars because the story and characters were great. It kept me engaged the whole time.
Reviewed by: Shwetha Sanjay
Author: Christina Matula
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Summary:
The third book in the Holly-Mei series, The Not-So-Simple Question, follows twelve-year-old Holly-Mei Jones as she continues to adjust to life in Hong Kong following her transfer from Toronto. She must deal with the challenges of puberty, such as social pressure related to dating, something that she is not yet prepared to handle. The story also centres on Holly-Mei's excitement for Experience Week at her school, during which she plans to show her friends Taiwan, the country of her mother. Holly-Mei struggles with worries about her heritage and looks for a sense of identity throughout the trip.
Favourite Character:
The main character, Holly-Mei, is enjoyable and relatable. I respect her bravery in going against the standards of society and her will to learn about her heritage. Her growth throughout the book is motivating.
Personal Reflection:
I really enjoyed this book. It shows what it’s like to be a teenager and try to understand who you are. The story made me think about my own experiences growing up.
Recommendation:
I recommend this book for middle school readers and anyone who enjoys stories about growing up and finding who you are.
Rating:
5/5
I gave this book 5 stars because the story and characters were great. It kept me engaged the whole time.
Reviewed by: Shwetha Sanjay
September 29, 2024
Holly-Mei is looking forward to Experience Week, where she gets to travel to Taiwan and learn more about part of her family's culture (she is Taiwanese and Canadian). What Holly-Mei is not so sure about is bringing a date to her friend's dance. She has friends who are boys, but is she interested in them romantically? She is not sure she is ready for that yet. The author's descriptions of Hong Kong and Taiwan inspire the reader to want to go see them in person, also those feelings when you are growing up and realizing things are changing around you even if you are not ready yet is really universal. It brought back my own experiences very vividly of going through those feelings.
August 7, 2024
I love the writing style of the Holly-mei books. Definitely a recommended read 👍
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews