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How to Draw a Secret: A Graphic Novel
For fans of Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters and Jen Wang’s Stargazing comes the empowering autobiographical story of a young Taiwanese American artist struggling to find her voice to save what matters most.
Twelve-year-old Cindy relishes drawing flawless images, but she is stumped by an art contest prompt: “What family means to me.” No one at school can know that Cindy’s dad moved back to Taiwan four years ago, so Cindy sketches out the perfect plan to draw the perfect picture while keeping her parents’ separation secret.
Then an unexpected trip to Taipei reveals devastating new secrets. Suddenly everything from Cindy's art to her family is falling apart. With her dream of perfection in tatters, Cindy must figure out how to draw from her heart and share her secrets. But can she really reveal the truth, messy lines and all?
Twelve-year-old Cindy relishes drawing flawless images, but she is stumped by an art contest prompt: “What family means to me.” No one at school can know that Cindy’s dad moved back to Taiwan four years ago, so Cindy sketches out the perfect plan to draw the perfect picture while keeping her parents’ separation secret.
Then an unexpected trip to Taipei reveals devastating new secrets. Suddenly everything from Cindy's art to her family is falling apart. With her dream of perfection in tatters, Cindy must figure out how to draw from her heart and share her secrets. But can she really reveal the truth, messy lines and all?
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2025
56 people are currently reading
3539 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Chang
1 book21 followersCindy Chang was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and holds degrees in education and computer science. She works as a digital product designer in addition to writing and illustrating children’s books. How to Draw a Secret is her first book.
Say hi on Instagram @cindobindo or cindychang.com
Say hi on Instagram @cindobindo or cindychang.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
May 20, 2025
Whew! This was more intense than I anticipated; however, Change did a wonderful job illustrating the emotional and mental impact of "family secrets." I grew up in a time where familial issues weren't addressed, but swept under the rug to "protect" the image of the family. Those same secrets continue to impact me and others within my family. Though I wasn't expecting the twist related to Cindy's father, it's a great example of how the actions of parents and caregivers can both negatively and positively affect the children around them. There were great moments of self-discovery, highlights of Taiwanese culture, redefining moments of familial structures, and more. Based on the experiences of Cindy Chang with beautiful illustrations, this isn't a graphic novel that you'll want to miss.
March 29, 2025
Well done. Cindy Chang does a nice job of gently approaching a difficult family topic from the perspective of a child. The illustrations are engaging and beautiful. Any child from any culture, especially children from Asian backgrounds that have split families in other countries, will find this book accessible and relatable. Even as an adult reading this book now, I found it very relatable. I was stunned to learn that this is only Cindy Chang’s first book. Looking forward to reading more from her.
March 6, 2025
An excellent portrayal of a family going through a divorce while not allowing the family to talk about it and pretending that everything is okay.
March 21, 2025
Amazing Graphic Novel
A 12 year old girl whose family is from Taiwan, gets word that the family must go back for a funeral. She is worried about missing a school art show but in Taiwan, she finds much more. Her father has been living in Taiwan for work the past 5 years, but he’s been involved in more than work and the family is being torn apart.
A 12 year old girl whose family is from Taiwan, gets word that the family must go back for a funeral. She is worried about missing a school art show but in Taiwan, she finds much more. Her father has been living in Taiwan for work the past 5 years, but he’s been involved in more than work and the family is being torn apart.
March 29, 2025
A wonderfully illustrated graphic novel about a family keeping a secret that ends up in a big mess once the secret comes out in the open. I appreciated the realistic way it was handled and how the communication between family members evolved. I loved the drawings and look forward to more from this author
July 2, 2025
3.5 stars...this was good and I enjoyed it...but its not a new favorite or a book that im going to find very memorable. Im so glad it exists for the middle grade audience though. I think the art work is great and does a great job expressing Cindy's thoughts and feelings.
February 21, 2025
great realistic fiction graphic novel about a tough topic
March 6, 2025
Families are not perfect!
September 1, 2025
A young girl feels the stress of keeping her family's secrets.
She must have gone through hell to actually live this. Her parents were awful.
She must have gone through hell to actually live this. Her parents were awful.
September 29, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Cindy lives with her mother and two older sisters, Jess and Em, in California. Four years ago, her father moved back to Taiwan, but her mother has not let the girls tell anyone that the parents are separated. This makes a project that Cindy has to do for Mrs. Tembrock's class a little difficult, since it is all about What Family Means to Me. Cindy is a great artist, and her teacher, as well as her friends Grace and Kelsi, want her to submit her project to a contest. Cindy is angry at her father, who last visited for her fifth grade graduation, so when he calls with the news that her Nai Nai has died, she is not thrilled to travel to Taiwan for the funeral. She brings her journal with her, and captures some of the events in her drawings. There are many preparations for the funeral, but there is also some fun like shopping and eating delicious food. When the father visits with a small boy, Cindy and her sisters are devastated to find that he is the reason that their father left, and also the reason he will not be coming back. Their mother did not know how to tell them that their father was in a new relationship and had a son, although the older sisters guessed. Cindy must find a way to make peace with her father's decisions, and see if she can make a "perfect" picture of her imperfect family, now that she is able to share this news.
Strengths: This was a great virtual trip to Taiwan, and it was interesting to see scenes of the streets, shops, and restaurants there. The family dynamics are interesting, with the older sisters, secretive parents, and extended family both in the US and in Taiwan. While family projects like the one Cindy is assigned are increasingly rare (for reasons just like Cindy's!), I always enjoy seeing children's doing homework, and love that Cindy was concerned about missing school. Mrs. Tembrock was very understanding. The drawing style is very pleasant, and I enjoyed the color palette. (The green on the cover is very much the color of the 2020s!) This seems to be set in the modern day, since characters have smart phones and FaceTime each other.
Weaknesses: I am beginning to worry about all of the troubled childhoods of graphic novel artists. Did not one but Jennifer and Matt Holm have the occasional happy time growing up? I'd much rather read a fun memoir like Sunny Makes a Splash, but the vast majority of graphic novel memoirs are sad.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want to explore the sometimes difficult issues of families who have to exist in more than one country at a time, like Yang's Parachute Kids or McLeod's Intercontinental Drifter.
Cindy lives with her mother and two older sisters, Jess and Em, in California. Four years ago, her father moved back to Taiwan, but her mother has not let the girls tell anyone that the parents are separated. This makes a project that Cindy has to do for Mrs. Tembrock's class a little difficult, since it is all about What Family Means to Me. Cindy is a great artist, and her teacher, as well as her friends Grace and Kelsi, want her to submit her project to a contest. Cindy is angry at her father, who last visited for her fifth grade graduation, so when he calls with the news that her Nai Nai has died, she is not thrilled to travel to Taiwan for the funeral. She brings her journal with her, and captures some of the events in her drawings. There are many preparations for the funeral, but there is also some fun like shopping and eating delicious food. When the father visits with a small boy, Cindy and her sisters are devastated to find that he is the reason that their father left, and also the reason he will not be coming back. Their mother did not know how to tell them that their father was in a new relationship and had a son, although the older sisters guessed. Cindy must find a way to make peace with her father's decisions, and see if she can make a "perfect" picture of her imperfect family, now that she is able to share this news.
Strengths: This was a great virtual trip to Taiwan, and it was interesting to see scenes of the streets, shops, and restaurants there. The family dynamics are interesting, with the older sisters, secretive parents, and extended family both in the US and in Taiwan. While family projects like the one Cindy is assigned are increasingly rare (for reasons just like Cindy's!), I always enjoy seeing children's doing homework, and love that Cindy was concerned about missing school. Mrs. Tembrock was very understanding. The drawing style is very pleasant, and I enjoyed the color palette. (The green on the cover is very much the color of the 2020s!) This seems to be set in the modern day, since characters have smart phones and FaceTime each other.
Weaknesses: I am beginning to worry about all of the troubled childhoods of graphic novel artists. Did not one but Jennifer and Matt Holm have the occasional happy time growing up? I'd much rather read a fun memoir like Sunny Makes a Splash, but the vast majority of graphic novel memoirs are sad.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want to explore the sometimes difficult issues of families who have to exist in more than one country at a time, like Yang's Parachute Kids or McLeod's Intercontinental Drifter.
May 4, 2025
Family is not perfect; in fact, they’re the ones you take advantage of the most. Author Chang went through a tough childhood, with an absent father at a young age and not knowing why her parents decided to get a divorce, it left her feeling unresolved. As great as it was growing up with just the four of them (mom, Cindy, and two other sisters), the mention of her father made all of them quiet. It took the death of their Nai Nai (grandmother on the paternal side) that the truth finally revealed itself as to why her father left them behind. The closure that Cindy needed as a kid finally came when she learned that she has a half brother.
While finding out the part where Cindy’s father left was because he cheated and had a son with another woman seriously irritated me so much. The fact that this is such a real thing that happens in Chinese families makes me so angry that wives who had these kind of husbands have to put up with these kind of men. Is it also coincidence that the kid happens to be a son?! Chinese culture is known to favor sons more than daughters, all because of passing down the family name (what an idiotic reason). I would never forgive my dad if this were to happen to me. What also made me angry was Cindy’s mom left Taiwan, went on the plane BY HERSELF, to marry Cindy’s dad in the middle of the country where it was probably not predominately Asian. So 1) She’s living in a foreign country with no family and friends and 2) had to take care of THREE children on her own because the father left at a young age. I would not have known what to do with myself, probably be utterly depressed. But of course like most single Asian moms, she probably had to put those feelings behind her because her kids are depending on her for survival.
I am hoping that because Author Chang wrote this book, she is able to talk about this part of her life and that somewhere in her heart, she has found closure in this. I can totally see why she tried to hide the fact that her family was not perfect in school; people talk, especially when it’s for a bad reason.
This book was probably so hard to write, but I’m glad Author Chang wrote those book so children who lived or are living in similar situations can have something to relate to. Divorce is a messy topic to talk about, especially when it involves cheating, but I’m glad that it was written the way it was. Very rare and non-sugar coated; no reassurance.
While finding out the part where Cindy’s father left was because he cheated and had a son with another woman seriously irritated me so much. The fact that this is such a real thing that happens in Chinese families makes me so angry that wives who had these kind of husbands have to put up with these kind of men. Is it also coincidence that the kid happens to be a son?! Chinese culture is known to favor sons more than daughters, all because of passing down the family name (what an idiotic reason). I would never forgive my dad if this were to happen to me. What also made me angry was Cindy’s mom left Taiwan, went on the plane BY HERSELF, to marry Cindy’s dad in the middle of the country where it was probably not predominately Asian. So 1) She’s living in a foreign country with no family and friends and 2) had to take care of THREE children on her own because the father left at a young age. I would not have known what to do with myself, probably be utterly depressed. But of course like most single Asian moms, she probably had to put those feelings behind her because her kids are depending on her for survival.
I am hoping that because Author Chang wrote this book, she is able to talk about this part of her life and that somewhere in her heart, she has found closure in this. I can totally see why she tried to hide the fact that her family was not perfect in school; people talk, especially when it’s for a bad reason.
This book was probably so hard to write, but I’m glad Author Chang wrote those book so children who lived or are living in similar situations can have something to relate to. Divorce is a messy topic to talk about, especially when it involves cheating, but I’m glad that it was written the way it was. Very rare and non-sugar coated; no reassurance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
A wonderfully readable and fluently-illustrated graphic novel that warms the hearts.
The unpunctuated title "How to draw a secret" can be read as alternately a questioning lament against an unsurmountable task; or an instructional how-to. This book attempts to do both: The graphic novel paints the context of the family secret that 12-turning-13-year-old Cindy confronts and unravels and her struggle to draw "What family means" for a formal arts competition; but through its narrative, shows us how honesty, bravery and trust in the kindness of others is what exchanges the shadowy secrets and fears to a richer mix of experiences and life.
Narratively, the separation of Cindy's parents is the apparent "secret" that she has to put on the page, and the book offers an answer to that task. But the deeper secret that we all have is our lived experience and our own interior world, a lived experience that is forever locked and unknownable to others. This is the sneaky gnawl of inadequacy while seen as a model child; the snarl of loneliness in a rowdy tangle of siblings and friends; the tingle to feel different while eagerly fitting in. As an adult reader, perhaps that's the deeper question and unsurmountable task that I'm drawn to - what space and avenue is there that is kind enough to hold space and give voice to that secret story that lives in each of us?
Ultimately, I found this a well-executed story, and a beautifully drawn and produced graphic novel. This book belongs well to that literary canon of the autobiographical novel that every author eventually has to write. The settings of California and Taiwan are culturally anchored and relatable, and third-culture-children readers of immigrant families would find particular resonance with the story lines. Readers of the hardcover edition can take additional joy from the artwork on the boards (spoiler: tools required to draw a secret).
The unpunctuated title "How to draw a secret" can be read as alternately a questioning lament against an unsurmountable task; or an instructional how-to. This book attempts to do both: The graphic novel paints the context of the family secret that 12-turning-13-year-old Cindy confronts and unravels and her struggle to draw "What family means" for a formal arts competition; but through its narrative, shows us how honesty, bravery and trust in the kindness of others is what exchanges the shadowy secrets and fears to a richer mix of experiences and life.
Narratively, the separation of Cindy's parents is the apparent "secret" that she has to put on the page, and the book offers an answer to that task. But the deeper secret that we all have is our lived experience and our own interior world, a lived experience that is forever locked and unknownable to others. This is the sneaky gnawl of inadequacy while seen as a model child; the snarl of loneliness in a rowdy tangle of siblings and friends; the tingle to feel different while eagerly fitting in. As an adult reader, perhaps that's the deeper question and unsurmountable task that I'm drawn to - what space and avenue is there that is kind enough to hold space and give voice to that secret story that lives in each of us?
Ultimately, I found this a well-executed story, and a beautifully drawn and produced graphic novel. This book belongs well to that literary canon of the autobiographical novel that every author eventually has to write. The settings of California and Taiwan are culturally anchored and relatable, and third-culture-children readers of immigrant families would find particular resonance with the story lines. Readers of the hardcover edition can take additional joy from the artwork on the boards (spoiler: tools required to draw a secret).
October 28, 2025
Uncluttered, clear illustrations depict a few months of 12-year-old Cindy's life when she wants to focus on drawing and art projects and hanging out with her friends, but the expectation that she keep her family's secret - that her dad moved back to Taiwan four years ago for work - is starting to press in on her friendships.
Before she can grapple fully with the tension of telling her friends inconsequential but still stressful lies, her father's parent dies, and the whole family has to meet up in Taipei.
Flashbacks hint at some of the complicated issues any family might have around extended separation and long-distance work and family obligations, but upon arriving in Taiwan, her father bluntly reveals the heart-wrenching secret underneath the simpler secrets Cindy has been told to keep.
Through Cindy and her mom and siblings, readers will discover that family separation can quickly become very messy, and each person has their own slightly different strong feelings.
I think most readers ages 9-13 will be able to relate to Cindy's disappointment, frustration, and angry outbursts. In addition, sadly, many readers will also be able to relate to the ambiguity and confusion of loving someone who has deep flaws and has caused problems on top of problems - even if the specifics and particulars of their own families are quite different.
The style, shape, size, format, length, topic, and resolution all match the same intended audience as the many popular realistic graphic novels by Telgemeier, Escabasse, Ruth Chan, Lily LaMotte, Johnnie Christmas, etc.
Before she can grapple fully with the tension of telling her friends inconsequential but still stressful lies, her father's parent dies, and the whole family has to meet up in Taipei.
Flashbacks hint at some of the complicated issues any family might have around extended separation and long-distance work and family obligations, but upon arriving in Taiwan, her father bluntly reveals the heart-wrenching secret underneath the simpler secrets Cindy has been told to keep.
Through Cindy and her mom and siblings, readers will discover that family separation can quickly become very messy, and each person has their own slightly different strong feelings.
I think most readers ages 9-13 will be able to relate to Cindy's disappointment, frustration, and angry outbursts. In addition, sadly, many readers will also be able to relate to the ambiguity and confusion of loving someone who has deep flaws and has caused problems on top of problems - even if the specifics and particulars of their own families are quite different.
The style, shape, size, format, length, topic, and resolution all match the same intended audience as the many popular realistic graphic novels by Telgemeier, Escabasse, Ruth Chan, Lily LaMotte, Johnnie Christmas, etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
How to Draw a Secret, Cindy Chang's autobiographical graphic novel, starts out with a lighthearted look at her life in middle school. We meet a young Cindy, whose greatest concerns mostly involve trying to get out of piano practice and figuring out what to draw for an upcoming art contest. Of course, there's also the thing she doesn't talk about--the secret her family insists she keep, that her father lives in a different country and she hasn't seen him in years. But an unexpected death in the family suddenly forces Cindy, her sisters, and her mother to fly to Taiwan and unearth the secrets they've long tried to bury.
I was (pleasantly) surprised by the thematic shift that occurs once Cindy and her family reunite in Taiwan. Initially I felt that the start of the book was a little superficial. There wasn't much depth to it, and it was mostly dialogue-driven without really advancing the plot or developing the characters. But I encourage readers to stick with this one. Chang's story is a compelling one, and even though it takes her a little while to get there, she conveys a powerful message about family and resilience.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced reader copy.
I was (pleasantly) surprised by the thematic shift that occurs once Cindy and her family reunite in Taiwan. Initially I felt that the start of the book was a little superficial. There wasn't much depth to it, and it was mostly dialogue-driven without really advancing the plot or developing the characters. But I encourage readers to stick with this one. Chang's story is a compelling one, and even though it takes her a little while to get there, she conveys a powerful message about family and resilience.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced reader copy.
October 15, 2024
I got an ARC of this book.
It was a quick read. I generally enjoyed the art, it really hit those popular middle grade series art notes. It was not super cartoony, but not super realistic either. Hit that sweet spot in the middle.
The plot was a bit complicated. The title is a perfect fit.
I did not know this was autobiographic when I started reading it. I saw that detail after the fact. It read like a fiction story. It was smooth and paced really well. I was shocked to see that it was non-fiction. It would be a great read to transition middle grade readers into memoirs and biographies. Reads more like a story than El Deafo, so would be a perfect middle ground to get kids there.
I really liked that thecharacters all grew, but nothing was fully resolved. It couldn't be in the time the story covered. I loved that the bigger story was told around the art contest. It made it just feel conained and easy to understand, while still knowing more was happening. I will need to keep an eye on Chang's books. They are sure to be popular.
It was a quick read. I generally enjoyed the art, it really hit those popular middle grade series art notes. It was not super cartoony, but not super realistic either. Hit that sweet spot in the middle.
The plot was a bit complicated. The title is a perfect fit.
I did not know this was autobiographic when I started reading it. I saw that detail after the fact. It read like a fiction story. It was smooth and paced really well. I was shocked to see that it was non-fiction. It would be a great read to transition middle grade readers into memoirs and biographies. Reads more like a story than El Deafo, so would be a perfect middle ground to get kids there.
I really liked that thecharacters all grew, but nothing was fully resolved. It couldn't be in the time the story covered. I loved that the bigger story was told around the art contest. It made it just feel conained and easy to understand, while still knowing more was happening. I will need to keep an eye on Chang's books. They are sure to be popular.
February 27, 2025
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In her favorite school class, art, twelve-year-old Cindy has the perfect idea for an upcoming prompt on what family means to me. However, when a relative dies, Cindy and her family travel to Taiwan to pay respects and also see her dad, who moved out four years ago. But when family secrets come out and the overwhelming self-pressure to create the perfect art piece clashes, drama and chaos unfold. Can Cindy find a balance between everything before it finally boils over?
With a family secret years in the making, young Cindy has a lot going on. It was hard to see and read about Cindy going through this, alongside expectations from her mother, like perfecting the piano. Yet, she doesn’t quite feel alone with her two friends. It’s remarkable seeing Cindy grow through her emotions as she comes to terms with the “big secret” her father has been hiding. It is a realistic tale of one girl’s self-discovery through art and family in a graphic novel that wants to know what family truly means to one.
In her favorite school class, art, twelve-year-old Cindy has the perfect idea for an upcoming prompt on what family means to me. However, when a relative dies, Cindy and her family travel to Taiwan to pay respects and also see her dad, who moved out four years ago. But when family secrets come out and the overwhelming self-pressure to create the perfect art piece clashes, drama and chaos unfold. Can Cindy find a balance between everything before it finally boils over?
With a family secret years in the making, young Cindy has a lot going on. It was hard to see and read about Cindy going through this, alongside expectations from her mother, like perfecting the piano. Yet, she doesn’t quite feel alone with her two friends. It’s remarkable seeing Cindy grow through her emotions as she comes to terms with the “big secret” her father has been hiding. It is a realistic tale of one girl’s self-discovery through art and family in a graphic novel that wants to know what family truly means to one.
October 13, 2024
Such a wonderful story that kids will be able to relate to!
Cindy loves drawing but when her art teacher reveals the theme of an upcoming contest, she’s completely at a loss. The theme is about what family means and Cindy has been hiding what is really going on with them. Her father has left the family to live in Taiwan and her mother has instructed them not to tell anyone. When her nai nai passes, Cindy must go to Taiwan and face her dad.
There are some pretty big themes presented - losing a loved one, separation, and adultery, but it’s shared in a very real way. Cindy’s thoughts and reactions are exactly those of a twelve year old. Middle grade readers will be drawn to the graphic novel side of it while being engrossed in a story that may be reminiscent of their own.
I cannot wait to add this to our classroom and school library. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the arc.
Cindy loves drawing but when her art teacher reveals the theme of an upcoming contest, she’s completely at a loss. The theme is about what family means and Cindy has been hiding what is really going on with them. Her father has left the family to live in Taiwan and her mother has instructed them not to tell anyone. When her nai nai passes, Cindy must go to Taiwan and face her dad.
There are some pretty big themes presented - losing a loved one, separation, and adultery, but it’s shared in a very real way. Cindy’s thoughts and reactions are exactly those of a twelve year old. Middle grade readers will be drawn to the graphic novel side of it while being engrossed in a story that may be reminiscent of their own.
I cannot wait to add this to our classroom and school library. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the arc.
December 14, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!
When 12 year old Cindy is assigned an art project at school to create a piece about "What family means to me", she is stuck. She is not sure how to create an image of her family because she is holding a secret that her father moved back to Taiwan four years ago. To keep her family's secret safe, she decides to draw a perfect family portrait from four years ago. When her grandmother unexpectedly passes away, her family visits Taiwan and even more secrets are revealed about Cindy's family. Now, more than ever, Cindy has no idea how to create a piece of art about her family.
Through detailed and powerful images, Chang skillfully conveys the feelings that Cindy goes through as she tries to work through her feelings about her feeling and her art project. She also interweaves interesting aspects of Taiwanese culture and traditions throughout.
When 12 year old Cindy is assigned an art project at school to create a piece about "What family means to me", she is stuck. She is not sure how to create an image of her family because she is holding a secret that her father moved back to Taiwan four years ago. To keep her family's secret safe, she decides to draw a perfect family portrait from four years ago. When her grandmother unexpectedly passes away, her family visits Taiwan and even more secrets are revealed about Cindy's family. Now, more than ever, Cindy has no idea how to create a piece of art about her family.
Through detailed and powerful images, Chang skillfully conveys the feelings that Cindy goes through as she tries to work through her feelings about her feeling and her art project. She also interweaves interesting aspects of Taiwanese culture and traditions throughout.
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Thông tin liên hệ:
Địa chỉ: 300/2 Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh, Phường 19, Bình Thạnh, Hồ Chí Minh, Việt Nam
SDT: 0387749382
Website: https://mocbai86.com/
Hashtag: #mocbai #mocbai86com
https://github.com/mocbai86com
https://www.twitch.tv/mocbai86com/about
https://www.pexels.com/@mocbai-86-215...
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August 1, 2025
12 year old Cindy's father left four years ago to go back to Taiwan from San Francisco. Her mom has told her to not tell anyone and to just pretend that things are the same. Which is, of course, impossible. And her older sisters have been able to figure out a lot of what is going on but they don't share that with Cindy.
Then Cindy's grandmother (dad's mom) dies and the family has to go to Taiwan for the funeral. Cindy is hoping she will find answers for all of her questions and be able to untangle her emotions. She does though definitely not what she was expecting.
Art plays a big part in the story. Cindy has been assigned an art project that is about defining what family is - and working on the project helps her as she wades through her feelings for her dad and tries to process all of the new information.
Fortunately, Cindy has a lot of support from family, friends, and teachers.
This is autobiographical so the author is describing what happened in her own life.
Then Cindy's grandmother (dad's mom) dies and the family has to go to Taiwan for the funeral. Cindy is hoping she will find answers for all of her questions and be able to untangle her emotions. She does though definitely not what she was expecting.
Art plays a big part in the story. Cindy has been assigned an art project that is about defining what family is - and working on the project helps her as she wades through her feelings for her dad and tries to process all of the new information.
Fortunately, Cindy has a lot of support from family, friends, and teachers.
This is autobiographical so the author is describing what happened in her own life.
October 6, 2024
How to Draw a Secret is a fantastic graphic novel for middle grade readers about a young girl whose father is living in Taiwan while she is with her mother and sisters in the US. This graphic novel fantastic illustrations and handled some heavy subject matter with a lot of care. I loved that Cindy was able to express herself through art and that her voice felt very accurate to a twelve-year-old. The family in this book was going through something big and messy, but I felt like the author did a great job portraying that. They didn't always react perfectly, but it was human and filled with heart.
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Childrens Books, and Cindy Chang for the chance to read and review! My opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Childrens Books, and Cindy Chang for the chance to read and review! My opinions are my own.
February 7, 2025
📖 Book Review 📖 I have a secret, I won’t draw it out here because words are my strength but I did not read graphic novels growing up. It was not until my kids got a bit older and fell in love with these books that I picked them up and started diving into this world. Cindy Chang has done a perfect job creating a beautifully poignant graphic novel that normalizes all of those tough feelings that accompany growing up. Family situations can be especially tricky in those crucial years of development and this book outlines all the feelings of moving from grief to acceptance when things do not work out the way you were hoping for. How to Draw a Secret is an emotionally powerful novel for readers of all ages because let’s let the truth be known…you are never too old for a graphic novel
April 21, 2025
Wow, I wasn’t sure about this book because the cover seemed a bit plain and I thought it might be a generic story inside but was I ever wrong! It was raw in a way I haven’t encountered in such a long time in a children’s graphic novel. I cried when , I could feel everything she was feeling. Absolutely age appropriate and relatable, but so much more honest than any other parent separation story I have read. Chang pulled no punches and expertly communicated the angst and grief she went through discovering her parents’ secret. All in a cute little package without densely written text boxes or anything. What a feat! Kids deserve books written by adults who can still tap into how they felt as children. What an excellent example of that here.
July 13, 2025
Filled with cute and colorful illustrations, this graphic novel tells the story of a young artist with the assignment of what family means to her. Some of the text was hard to read, but the pictures told the story pretty well.
The death of her grandma sends her and her family to Taiwan for a funeral. Foreign whispering has Cindy wondering about a family secret. What secret? Finding out that your dad cheated on your mom and had a son? Wow, no one could’ve been prepared for that one. Cindy realized that her family was a total lie! The family arguments were pretty intense, and all her feelings were drawn in her sketchbook. Soon, Cindy realized that families aren’t perfect and that they can be different.
A good read!
The death of her grandma sends her and her family to Taiwan for a funeral. Foreign whispering has Cindy wondering about a family secret. What secret? Finding out that your dad cheated on your mom and had a son? Wow, no one could’ve been prepared for that one. Cindy realized that her family was a total lie! The family arguments were pretty intense, and all her feelings were drawn in her sketchbook. Soon, Cindy realized that families aren’t perfect and that they can be different.
A good read!
October 21, 2024
An autobiographical graphic novel not set in the 90s? Sign me up!
How to Draw a Secret tells the story of Cindy, a Taiwanese American middle schooler hiding a big secret--her parents are separated, and her father has been living apart from the family since he moved back to Taiwan four years earlier. Cindy's mother insists on secrecy, so even Cindy's best friends don't know the truth about her family.
Cindy is assigned an art project with the prompt "What Family Means to Me" and struggles with what to create--how much of her truth should she reveal? When a death in the family causes a sudden reunion with her father in Taiwan, Cindy learns of an even bigger family secret.
+: This book holds great appeal to fans of books like Parachute Kids (a major favorite in my library). It is not set in the 90s! We love a contemporary graphic novel!
-: Some of the plotlines involving the older sisters feel somewhat under-developed.
Definitely will be purchasing, likely will need to purchase multiple copies.
How to Draw a Secret tells the story of Cindy, a Taiwanese American middle schooler hiding a big secret--her parents are separated, and her father has been living apart from the family since he moved back to Taiwan four years earlier. Cindy's mother insists on secrecy, so even Cindy's best friends don't know the truth about her family.
Cindy is assigned an art project with the prompt "What Family Means to Me" and struggles with what to create--how much of her truth should she reveal? When a death in the family causes a sudden reunion with her father in Taiwan, Cindy learns of an even bigger family secret.
+: This book holds great appeal to fans of books like Parachute Kids (a major favorite in my library). It is not set in the 90s! We love a contemporary graphic novel!
-: Some of the plotlines involving the older sisters feel somewhat under-developed.
Definitely will be purchasing, likely will need to purchase multiple copies.
February 3, 2025
This is a great look at family and how keeping secrets for their families can weigh on the family.
I liked the artwork throughout. It is a great look at how learning more about your family can change your views of your family. But can also help create a stronger bond with some family members.
Cindy is trying to figure out what to draw for what family means to her. As her family travels to Taiwan for her grandmother's funeral she learns the secret that her mom has been keeping and family drama ensues. But as she learns more, she becomes closer with her mom and sisters and figures what to draw for the art contest.
A great graphic novel for middle grade readers.
I liked the artwork throughout. It is a great look at how learning more about your family can change your views of your family. But can also help create a stronger bond with some family members.
Cindy is trying to figure out what to draw for what family means to her. As her family travels to Taiwan for her grandmother's funeral she learns the secret that her mom has been keeping and family drama ensues. But as she learns more, she becomes closer with her mom and sisters and figures what to draw for the art contest.
A great graphic novel for middle grade readers.
March 2, 2025
An absolute fantastic Middlegrade graphic novel about the complexities of families. Specifically ones who have been separated. The illustrations throughout were stunning and the story was beautifully told and incredibly age appropriate for the emotions that go on when faced with really hard things when you’re young. I’m sure had I read the cover better I’d have recognized this is a nonfiction book/graphic memoir, but I didn’t until I was finished and reading the acknowledgments section. Fabulous storytelling so glad the author chose to share this part of her life. Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!
March 16, 2025
3.5 stars. The art is bright and each character is well-drawn. The flashback characters are clearly age-appropriate versions of the present characters. The colorful art belies the darker material. I was so mad at these parents and I dreaded the optimistic spin I knew was coming. I wish we could have seen more depth from the older sisters - I don't feel like their experience in this family was fully explored, especially given they had little interaction with Cindy for most of the book. I did love Cindy's friend group and wish we could have seen her telling her friends about her family situation.
March 20, 2025
Reading 2025
Book 70: How to Draw a Secret by Cindy Chang
A book I picked up at #NTTBF, a middle grade graphic memoir.
Synopsis: For fans of Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters and Jen Wang’s Stargazing comes the empowering autobiographical story of a young Taiwanese American artist struggling to find her voice to save what matters most.
Review: Wooo! Some heavy topics for kids to digest. Divorce, stepfamilies, abandonment, all things kids are dealing with daily. It was nice to hear from a kid how she was able to deal with things happening in her life, and all the doubts that crept in. Enjoyed this book, 4.25⭐️.
Book 70: How to Draw a Secret by Cindy Chang
A book I picked up at #NTTBF, a middle grade graphic memoir.
Synopsis: For fans of Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters and Jen Wang’s Stargazing comes the empowering autobiographical story of a young Taiwanese American artist struggling to find her voice to save what matters most.
Review: Wooo! Some heavy topics for kids to digest. Divorce, stepfamilies, abandonment, all things kids are dealing with daily. It was nice to hear from a kid how she was able to deal with things happening in her life, and all the doubts that crept in. Enjoyed this book, 4.25⭐️.
March 21, 2025
Very nice artwork & color scheme/palette used, text used is very nice & easy to read. Appropriate subject matter/content for middle grade readers, really good realistic fiction for this age group.....a lot that young kids could relate to here....dealing with families, divorce, siblings, parents, school.....& it does end on a positive note! It's a real good graphic novel. Young girls especially, might like this, as it mostly centers around a 12 year old girl. I'd recommend this for any library!
I received an e ARC of the book from publisher HarperCollins Children's Books/Allida via NetGalley for review purposes, & this is my own fair/honest review.
I received an e ARC of the book from publisher HarperCollins Children's Books/Allida via NetGalley for review purposes, & this is my own fair/honest review.
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