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Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths
Eleven-year-old Danny Chung loves drawing more than anything - certainly more than maths, which, according to his dad and everyone else, is what he is 'supposed' to be good at. He also loves having his own room where he can draw in peace, so his life is turned upside down when a surprise that he's been promised turns out to be his little, wrinkly, ex-maths-champion grandmother from China. What's worse, Nai Nai has to share his room, AND she takes the top bunk!
Nai Nai can't speak a word of English, which doesn't make things easy for Danny when he is charged with looking after her during his school holidays. Babysitting Nai Nai is NOT what he wants to be doing!
Before long though it becomes clear to Danny that there is more to Nai Nai than meets the eye, and that they have more in common that he thought possible ...
Nai Nai can't speak a word of English, which doesn't make things easy for Danny when he is charged with looking after her during his school holidays. Babysitting Nai Nai is NOT what he wants to be doing!
Before long though it becomes clear to Danny that there is more to Nai Nai than meets the eye, and that they have more in common that he thought possible ...
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2021
17 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 4, 2021
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Firstly, Danny and Nai Nai are the story’s highlights, and I got engrossed in the tale because of them. Danny is a fun character, and I loved his passion for drawing. The author paints the family in a realistic manner, where they don’t understand his love and expect him to excel in other areas. Nai Nai is adorable in the story and had me rolling. The author also adds humor to the story, and I found myself laughing out loud at times. For example, Nai Nai’s scenes check out the items in the minimart, or when she comes to his school and embarrass Danny was hilarious. I also loved the way they bond over the story, particularly the incident with the grapefruit. Natelle Quek also illustrated the images beautifully, and they complement the story very nicely, like we are looking at Danny’s drawings.
Similarly, the villains are also characters you love to hate. I was not too fond of Carter and his gang and even Auntie Yee for bullying Danny. The author portrayed the topic of friendship wonderfully. It was also interesting to see how Auntie Yee, being an adult, berated Danny to praise Amelia. Even some of the side characters like Mrs. Cruikshanks were adorable.
However, I wish there was more history behind Nai Nai. I enjoyed her character and would have loved it if she provided more details to the family about her life before moving in with them. While I loved some Chinese cultural information, like how they have different dialects and the New Year Animals, I wish the author provided more information.
Apart from that, I enjoyed “Danny Chung Sums It Up” and found it a delightful middle-grade novel.
November 23, 2021
A sweet and heartwarming story about generational differences, kindness, and how art and math aren't that different from one another!
- Follows Danny Chung, who is looking forward to a fun summer of sleepovers with his friends and art... when his parents surprise him with his grandmother he's never met, that will be sharing the same bedroom with him - and she has the top bunk!
- I think this is a great story for young readers, particularly readers of diaspora. How Danny connects with his grandmother is sweet, culminating to a fun ending where the grandma shows how awesome she is.
- It's also a story about friendship, and how sometimes best friends can disagree with one another and sometimes we want to be like the 'cool kids' - but ultimately, it comes back to why friends are friends, and that friends can come back together, even stronger.
- The story also gently explores familial pressures, though it isn't Danny who receives all the familial pressure, but his family friend.
- Again, a great story for kids with an easy to follow story that also has its fun moments. My rating is more of a personal thing - I wasn't a fan of how Danny's grandmother was portrayed at times (I felt like at times, she was depicted as this simple person without much agency - BUT, I know this is a story for younger readers, so understand the choice behind this), though this significantly improves towards the end.
- Follows Danny Chung, who is looking forward to a fun summer of sleepovers with his friends and art... when his parents surprise him with his grandmother he's never met, that will be sharing the same bedroom with him - and she has the top bunk!
- I think this is a great story for young readers, particularly readers of diaspora. How Danny connects with his grandmother is sweet, culminating to a fun ending where the grandma shows how awesome she is.
- It's also a story about friendship, and how sometimes best friends can disagree with one another and sometimes we want to be like the 'cool kids' - but ultimately, it comes back to why friends are friends, and that friends can come back together, even stronger.
- The story also gently explores familial pressures, though it isn't Danny who receives all the familial pressure, but his family friend.
- Again, a great story for kids with an easy to follow story that also has its fun moments. My rating is more of a personal thing - I wasn't a fan of how Danny's grandmother was portrayed at times (I felt like at times, she was depicted as this simple person without much agency - BUT, I know this is a story for younger readers, so understand the choice behind this), though this significantly improves towards the end.
November 1, 2021
Danny Chung is dismayed when his Chinese grandmother moves into the family's small apartment, and he has to share his bedroom with her! She only speaks a specific dialect of Chinese that Danny can't understand, and she is always embarrassing Danny in front of his friends. Danny has a huge math project that he is supposed to be working on, but Danny hates math. His parents insist that he has to spend time with his grandmother while they are at work. Danny's only refuge is in his drawings and sketches. Making comic sketches is the only thing Danny really cares about. Could there be a way to use his drawings to communicate with his grandmother?
This was such a sweet and heart-warming story! It was wonderful to see Danny's character development. He gradually begins to understand, appreciate, and love his grandmother. Danny is such a complex and loveable character. He certainly has his flaws, but he is also willing to admit when he is wrong and do his best to make things right. He has such a good heart!
I loved the plot, and all the little details that make Danny's family so special. They are such a close-knit family. It was so interesting to see the family dynamic between them all, and how they have certain expectations of each other. At the beginning of the book, it is a broken family, each person sort of lonely, misunderstanding one another, but they learn to be more accepting, they learn to listen, and their home becomes a happier place.
It was also interesting to learn about some aspects of the Chinese culture. Danny is navigating very different traditions and values from China and England, not to mention the age gap between himself and his grandmother. It's a wonderful mixture of various customs all blended together with friendship and love.
I was completely impressed with the grandmother, Nai-Nai. She is fierce and intelligent and kind. She comes to a new country where she doesn't speak the language, and she dives right in with courage and a smile, making friends and learning to navigate her way around. What a trouper!
The writing is really excellent! I immediately felt an emotional connection to the characters, and I was entertained in every chapter. I was laughing at the funny scenes, and crying at the emotional moments. It's a complete delight!
There are many boyish references to farts and poop and vomit. Nothing excessively grotesque, but just the sort of childish humor I would expect from a 6th grade boy. Exactly the right approach for the target audience, but not my cup of tea.
I was appalled at one reference to Danny trying to take violin lessons. Danny describes his lessons as "torture" and says that he "played badly on purpose." I am a music teacher, and I find this horribly offensive. And I worry that children reading this will come away with a bad impression of music lessons. I understand that the book is trying to subvert Chinese stereotypes and show that not all Chinese children are geniuses at music and math, but still... that doesn't mean you have to bad-mouth music lessons. By the end of the book, Danny realizes that math isn't so bad, and he begins to actually enjoy math a little bit. No such luck for his violin lessons. Children reading this book will just assume that violin is horrible, or too hard, or no fun. Thanks for discouraging the next generation of musicians!
There is a greengrocer in this book who is homosexual, and Danny and his grandmother watch a TV show about cross-dressing men.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This was such a sweet and heart-warming story! It was wonderful to see Danny's character development. He gradually begins to understand, appreciate, and love his grandmother. Danny is such a complex and loveable character. He certainly has his flaws, but he is also willing to admit when he is wrong and do his best to make things right. He has such a good heart!
I loved the plot, and all the little details that make Danny's family so special. They are such a close-knit family. It was so interesting to see the family dynamic between them all, and how they have certain expectations of each other. At the beginning of the book, it is a broken family, each person sort of lonely, misunderstanding one another, but they learn to be more accepting, they learn to listen, and their home becomes a happier place.
It was also interesting to learn about some aspects of the Chinese culture. Danny is navigating very different traditions and values from China and England, not to mention the age gap between himself and his grandmother. It's a wonderful mixture of various customs all blended together with friendship and love.
I was completely impressed with the grandmother, Nai-Nai. She is fierce and intelligent and kind. She comes to a new country where she doesn't speak the language, and she dives right in with courage and a smile, making friends and learning to navigate her way around. What a trouper!
The writing is really excellent! I immediately felt an emotional connection to the characters, and I was entertained in every chapter. I was laughing at the funny scenes, and crying at the emotional moments. It's a complete delight!
There are many boyish references to farts and poop and vomit. Nothing excessively grotesque, but just the sort of childish humor I would expect from a 6th grade boy. Exactly the right approach for the target audience, but not my cup of tea.
I was appalled at one reference to Danny trying to take violin lessons. Danny describes his lessons as "torture" and says that he "played badly on purpose." I am a music teacher, and I find this horribly offensive. And I worry that children reading this will come away with a bad impression of music lessons. I understand that the book is trying to subvert Chinese stereotypes and show that not all Chinese children are geniuses at music and math, but still... that doesn't mean you have to bad-mouth music lessons. By the end of the book, Danny realizes that math isn't so bad, and he begins to actually enjoy math a little bit. No such luck for his violin lessons. Children reading this book will just assume that violin is horrible, or too hard, or no fun. Thanks for discouraging the next generation of musicians!
There is a greengrocer in this book who is homosexual, and Danny and his grandmother watch a TV show about cross-dressing men.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
April 16, 2023
Trigger warnings: racism, hospitalisation of a friend, medical emergency
A very sweet middle grade story about an 11 year old boy having to deal with difficulties at home and school when his grandmother migrates from China to live with them and he's forced to share his bedroom with her.
I liked the way it dealt with cultural expectations and with the struggles of an elder migrating to a country where she doesn't speak the language. I love the dynamic that develops between Danny and his grandmother, and the ways that she shows him how to find joy in things he struggles to enjoy (like maths).
The ending did feel a tad rushed and neatly tied up with a bow, but at the same time, it's a middle grade book so that kind of comes with the territory.
A very sweet middle grade story about an 11 year old boy having to deal with difficulties at home and school when his grandmother migrates from China to live with them and he's forced to share his bedroom with her.
I liked the way it dealt with cultural expectations and with the struggles of an elder migrating to a country where she doesn't speak the language. I love the dynamic that develops between Danny and his grandmother, and the ways that she shows him how to find joy in things he struggles to enjoy (like maths).
The ending did feel a tad rushed and neatly tied up with a bow, but at the same time, it's a middle grade book so that kind of comes with the territory.
September 21, 2022
Adorable cross-cultural story about familial love and growing up.
Oh how I loved this!! Danny is pretty lovely, a boy who loves drawing, playing knights and comics with his best friend, and trying to follow his Chinese parents' cultural guidelines. He knows they don't have much money, they work hard in their takeaway, and while he'd love to hang out with the popular boys, he doesn't feel cool enough.
Getting excited over the prospect of a bunk bed - sleepovers!! - he is soon brought down to earth when it transpires this extra berth in his room is not intended for friends - but for the grandmother he's never met, who can't speak a word of English!!
Forced to show her around, 'get to know her', entertain her, Danny reluctantly does his duty. Will he be able to live down the embarrassment?
Well.... I'll say here that Danny's grandmother may be one of my favourite characters ever in a children's book! There's a manic dream pixie quality to her, she's funny as heck without being able to speak to us, personality aplomb, comic episodes and bonding moments a-plenty.
Who knew bingo and fruit shops could be so exciting?!
Just loved it. Adored watching Danny's mind change about more than one thing, seeing him understand the value of family, of friends, of self-worth. There's a lovely second plot about another young person Danny knows as well as a maths competition, and Danny's grandma really does show the reader how elders should never be discounted. Readers may look at their own with new eyes after this.
I really really want this to be made into a TV series - it's lovely to see ethnically diverse families represented and so relatably, and it's rare to find cross-generational pairings that you feel such affection for instantly.
Wonderful. For ages 9-13.
Oh how I loved this!! Danny is pretty lovely, a boy who loves drawing, playing knights and comics with his best friend, and trying to follow his Chinese parents' cultural guidelines. He knows they don't have much money, they work hard in their takeaway, and while he'd love to hang out with the popular boys, he doesn't feel cool enough.
Getting excited over the prospect of a bunk bed - sleepovers!! - he is soon brought down to earth when it transpires this extra berth in his room is not intended for friends - but for the grandmother he's never met, who can't speak a word of English!!
Forced to show her around, 'get to know her', entertain her, Danny reluctantly does his duty. Will he be able to live down the embarrassment?
Well.... I'll say here that Danny's grandmother may be one of my favourite characters ever in a children's book! There's a manic dream pixie quality to her, she's funny as heck without being able to speak to us, personality aplomb, comic episodes and bonding moments a-plenty.
Who knew bingo and fruit shops could be so exciting?!
Just loved it. Adored watching Danny's mind change about more than one thing, seeing him understand the value of family, of friends, of self-worth. There's a lovely second plot about another young person Danny knows as well as a maths competition, and Danny's grandma really does show the reader how elders should never be discounted. Readers may look at their own with new eyes after this.
I really really want this to be made into a TV series - it's lovely to see ethnically diverse families represented and so relatably, and it's rare to find cross-generational pairings that you feel such affection for instantly.
Wonderful. For ages 9-13.
October 25, 2021
When 11-year-old Danny Chung’s nai nai, which means grandma in Chinese, unexpectedly moves in with him and his family in England, his entire world is turned upside down. His nai nai flew all the way from China and landed in his bedroom, on the top bunk to be precise! This was not quite the surprise Danny had in mind.
Danny has an incredible imagination, loves to draw and to create funny comics. What he doesn’t love so much is math. With a big math project coming up, Danny is at a loss. Not knowing where to begin his grandmother who was once a math champion helps him out despite not speaking the same language.
Although at first Danny was embarrassed because his grandmother came to school and hand-fed him chicken feet, his view of her begins to change. They spend time together, and he tries to sign her up for lawn bowling. When that doesn’t work out Danny takes her to the Bingo Hall where all sorts of exploits begin.
Danny Chung Sums It Up is a story about friendship, kindness and acceptance as well as crossing cultures and generations. Art and math are universal languages that draw Danny and his grandmother together. This book will give you insight into Chinese family and culture, have you laughing and warm your heart. Available on Hoopla as an e-book.
Thank you Abrams Books for an Advanced Readers Copy.
Reviewed by: Jane Martinez Khaytin, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Danny has an incredible imagination, loves to draw and to create funny comics. What he doesn’t love so much is math. With a big math project coming up, Danny is at a loss. Not knowing where to begin his grandmother who was once a math champion helps him out despite not speaking the same language.
Although at first Danny was embarrassed because his grandmother came to school and hand-fed him chicken feet, his view of her begins to change. They spend time together, and he tries to sign her up for lawn bowling. When that doesn’t work out Danny takes her to the Bingo Hall where all sorts of exploits begin.
Danny Chung Sums It Up is a story about friendship, kindness and acceptance as well as crossing cultures and generations. Art and math are universal languages that draw Danny and his grandmother together. This book will give you insight into Chinese family and culture, have you laughing and warm your heart. Available on Hoopla as an e-book.
Thank you Abrams Books for an Advanced Readers Copy.
Reviewed by: Jane Martinez Khaytin, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
January 7, 2022
I loved this book! Danny is told he’ll be good at maths, it’s in the family, and he just really isn’t. His behaviour and academic achievements are compared to his stuck up cousin Amelia and he is regularly lectured on “the Chinese way”. He loves to draw so he makes cool comics and his mate Ravi does the words. He is horrified when his granny comes to live with them over their takeaway shop and not only does she share his bedroom and sleep on the top bunk, she also comes into school to make sure he’s well fed and his parents demand he looks after her during the holidays. Danny learns a lot about friendship in this story and also how his gran is actually a cool lady who loves him sooooo much. This has good humour and could be a good one off novel alternative to wimpy kid, Tom Gates etc.
January 15, 2023
Teacher’s Reading Group Book at school
A book that explores a sense of belonging when you are different to others- in culture, in race, in ability. Challenges common stereotypes. Also explores moving to a new country and understanding it’s traditions and languages.
Danny’s character is well-developed throughout illustrating all of the different aspects of his life.
A book that explores a sense of belonging when you are different to others- in culture, in race, in ability. Challenges common stereotypes. Also explores moving to a new country and understanding it’s traditions and languages.
Danny’s character is well-developed throughout illustrating all of the different aspects of his life.
August 21, 2021
Danny does not have the same positive feelings about sharing his bedroom with his grandmother from China that his parents seem to have about her coming. But, what to me, as an adult reader was a rather predictable plot, he learns to love and appreciate her. Nai Nai is actually the character I appreciated the most. She's a strong woman dealing with life in a new country where she doesn't know the language. Actually, I also really like her new-found friend, Mrs. Cruikshanks, who introduces her to the world of bingo. Maybe we need an adult novel about these two??!! Although not outstanding, this is good title for those needing more diverse chapter books.
August 25, 2022
Danny Chung is very excited when his parents kick him out of his room for the day saying they have a surprise as they move in bunkbeds. Danny thinks they are remodeling his room so he can have his best friend Ravi come spend sleepovers with him. But he's shocked to discover the surprise is a Nai Nai (Grandma on his father's side) he's never met who is now his roommate! His parents are busy with their restaurant so they make Danny take his Nai Nai everywhere with him during the Easter holidays. Danny had planned to spend the break drawing (which his Dad has informed him is not a worthy pursuit of a Chinese boy) and working with Ravi on his maths project (which is messed up when he and Ravi hurt each others' feelings), but instead he has to babysit his grandma who hardly speaks any English and seems intent on embarrassing him. Danny is feeling buried under the weight of Chinese Way expectations from his parents, his parents' friends, and others.
I have mixed feelings about this one. I liked how real Danny feels. He deals with things a lot of the Asian kids at our international school deal with. I love how his relationship and understanding of Nai Nai grows. I have conflicted feelings because this falls into the trope of a kid waking up his parents to all they are doing wrong. Ok, a kid with the help of his grandma. It felt a little cliche. I've seen several things saying this was hilarious, and I just didn't find it all that funny. Touching? Yes at times. Quirky? Yes, especially the bingo scenes. But funny? Unless you find family drama and worries of a kid funny, not really. Believable, understandable, and probably relatable to many, but don't go in expecting laughs.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. No violence. There's some bullying. Nai Nai gets lost at one point which is pretty nerve-wracking since she's old and doesn't speak English. An older person suffers a mild stroke, but is ok.
I have mixed feelings about this one. I liked how real Danny feels. He deals with things a lot of the Asian kids at our international school deal with. I love how his relationship and understanding of Nai Nai grows. I have conflicted feelings because this falls into the trope of a kid waking up his parents to all they are doing wrong. Ok, a kid with the help of his grandma. It felt a little cliche. I've seen several things saying this was hilarious, and I just didn't find it all that funny. Touching? Yes at times. Quirky? Yes, especially the bingo scenes. But funny? Unless you find family drama and worries of a kid funny, not really. Believable, understandable, and probably relatable to many, but don't go in expecting laughs.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. No violence. There's some bullying. Nai Nai gets lost at one point which is pretty nerve-wracking since she's old and doesn't speak English. An older person suffers a mild stroke, but is ok.
November 3, 2021
🌟 Devoured this charming book by Maisie Chan in one sitting! 🌟
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Danny Chung has problems. He has to do a math presentation (and he hates math), his parents don’t take his art seriously, and now his new roommate is his Nai Nai, his tiny Chinese grandmother who has come to live with his family. Even worse, he has to watch her during spring break while his parents work. So much for spending vacation time drawing comics with his best friend Ravi!
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Nai Nai only speaks a Chinese dialect and so she and Danny's conversations involve a pretty adorable combination of miming, pointing, drawing, etc. Nai Nai is smart and loving and finds ways to care for Danny despite their language differences. Also addresses the model minority myth and anti-Asian discrimination.
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As Danny and Nai Nai's relationship deepens, readers are treated to a fabulous intergenerational friendship that is both hilarious and touching. Includes adorable illustrations from @natelledrawsstuff ✍️ . Perfect for grades 3-7.
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#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary #msla #mediaspecialist
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Danny Chung has problems. He has to do a math presentation (and he hates math), his parents don’t take his art seriously, and now his new roommate is his Nai Nai, his tiny Chinese grandmother who has come to live with his family. Even worse, he has to watch her during spring break while his parents work. So much for spending vacation time drawing comics with his best friend Ravi!
.
.
.
Nai Nai only speaks a Chinese dialect and so she and Danny's conversations involve a pretty adorable combination of miming, pointing, drawing, etc. Nai Nai is smart and loving and finds ways to care for Danny despite their language differences. Also addresses the model minority myth and anti-Asian discrimination.
.
.
.
As Danny and Nai Nai's relationship deepens, readers are treated to a fabulous intergenerational friendship that is both hilarious and touching. Includes adorable illustrations from @natelledrawsstuff ✍️ . Perfect for grades 3-7.
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#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary #msla #mediaspecialist
March 5, 2021
What happens when your grandma, who you’ve never met before, moves into the same room as you? In this funny and sweet story about an 11 year old boy who suddenly finds himself sharing a room with his chinese grandma, they face language and cultural barriers, all the while getting to know each other. This definitely reminded me of my own grandma who lived with me until she passed away when I was younger. My grandma lived in the room next door to mine and could only speak vietnamese, but this book brought back so many memories of the timeI had growing up with her and taking her out on walks and just getting to know her (thankfully for me I didn’t have a language barrier). The story is really relatable and also showcases a lot of struggles of being a POC has. Danny struggles with trying to understand the “chinese way” and just trying to fit in, and understanding his grandma’s way of life. But the book really points out how despite various barriers, being family and loving each other can cross any barrier. It was a sweet story and a must read!
*Thanks Netgalley and ABRAMS Kids for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
*Thanks Netgalley and ABRAMS Kids for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
August 11, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from ABRAMS Kids, Amulet Books through NetGalley.
Danny struggles in school and at home as he doesn't feel like he lives up to his parents' expectations. Readers are introduced to him and his life before a surprise is sprung on him. His paternal grandmother has arrived from China and will be sharing his bedroom. She is beyond excited to meet him and share his life. Danny - not so much. Chan wraps the rest of the book around this relationship. Her characters come to life and middle grade readers will recognize them and connect with their lives. The story doesn't gloss over the ugly sides of school and life with extended family. She also shares the variety of reactions immigrants face in the United States as a matter of fact part of the plot.
This book opens discussion points on several levels for families or classes as middle graders explore the story and their responses to it.
Danny struggles in school and at home as he doesn't feel like he lives up to his parents' expectations. Readers are introduced to him and his life before a surprise is sprung on him. His paternal grandmother has arrived from China and will be sharing his bedroom. She is beyond excited to meet him and share his life. Danny - not so much. Chan wraps the rest of the book around this relationship. Her characters come to life and middle grade readers will recognize them and connect with their lives. The story doesn't gloss over the ugly sides of school and life with extended family. She also shares the variety of reactions immigrants face in the United States as a matter of fact part of the plot.
This book opens discussion points on several levels for families or classes as middle graders explore the story and their responses to it.
February 28, 2022
Middle grade fiction. Good mix of a second generation middle school-aged boy trying to come to terms with things he likes about his heritage, things he doesn't like, being compared to the perfect example, liking something that his parents don't think is worthwhile, being picked on, trying to be friends with other boys whom his best friend doesn't like, and then on top of that stuck not just living with his grandmother who he's never met, being responsible for her and rooming with her. Could that just be the worst thing - rooming with your grandmother? The author does a good job of showing typical Chinese perspectives and customs mixed in with typical school and family expectation issues. Great characterizations and humor. I loved Mrs. Cruikshanks and the color characters. Many things hit home and made me laugh.
February 28, 2021
Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths is a heartwarming story of family, friendship and of course maths. Danny is frustrated when his Nai Nai moves from China to Birmingham - he can't believe he has to share his bedroom and is mortified when Nai Nai turns up at his school in the middle of the day! But soon Nai Nai discovers bingo and Danny becomes her accomplice as she sneaks out to play each afternoon...
I love stories about family, friendship and the intense emotions of the apparently small moments in life, and Danny Chung is no exception. I also love books with lots of food! Lychees, Yorkshire puddings and of course Romanesco Cauliflower all feature, and I love it!
I love stories about family, friendship and the intense emotions of the apparently small moments in life, and Danny Chung is no exception. I also love books with lots of food! Lychees, Yorkshire puddings and of course Romanesco Cauliflower all feature, and I love it!
August 25, 2021
I really enjoyed getting to know Danny, his Nai Nai, and the rest of his family and friends. Danny has a lot of internally struggles when it comes to being loyal to his family and also trying to fit in with the cool kids at school. This gets even harder when his grandmother (Nai Nai) moves from China not just into their home but into Danny’s bedroom. It was interesting watching Danny’s relationship grow and change with his grandmother. There were some funny moments as well as heartfelt ones. Danny’s dealings with the bullies was realistic and well-done. A great middle graphic novel about family and friendship, with some math and art mixed in! (Read digital ARC via Netgalley.)
October 5, 2021
Unbeknown to me this was the final book of my 60 books in a year challenge. GRs gave me a little flurry of confetti!
Anyway, what a fabulous book to complete my challenge with. I must admit the story is a little slow to get going but once the Grandmother is fully involved it’s really fun.
I loved Danny struggling to accept the huge life changes of having his Grandmother come share his bunk bed. The embarrassment of her turning up at school with chicken feet and umbrellas was cringe-worthy funny. It was a feel-good insight into Danny’s world and the assumptions that are made about him and his family.
Thoughtful, sweet and heartwarming, I loved it!
Anyway, what a fabulous book to complete my challenge with. I must admit the story is a little slow to get going but once the Grandmother is fully involved it’s really fun.
I loved Danny struggling to accept the huge life changes of having his Grandmother come share his bunk bed. The embarrassment of her turning up at school with chicken feet and umbrellas was cringe-worthy funny. It was a feel-good insight into Danny’s world and the assumptions that are made about him and his family.
Thoughtful, sweet and heartwarming, I loved it!
January 17, 2022
Danny is excited when his parents get bunk beds for his bedroom and hint at a surprise. He can’t wait to have his best friend over for a sleepover. Danny is disappointed to learn the surprise is his Chinese grandmother Nai Nai moving in. To his bedroom! While his parents are busy with their takeout Chinese food business downstairs, Danny is expected to hang out with his Nai Nai even though they don’t speak the same language. Meanwhile, Danny must come up with a math project and figure out how to steer clear of the bullies in his class. A heart-warming story of family, friendship, and a gentle introduction to racial identity and stereotypes for younger readers.
May 6, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
A sweet story about Danny Chung struggling to get to know his nai nai, whom he has never seen for reasons that are gradually revealed in the book. Although I thought it was a bit unfair of his parents to not give him some heads-up, instead letting him get all excited about having new bunk beds in his room and inviting friends over, it was such a beautiful journey of seeing a young boy get to know his grandmother even when they don't speak the same language. At Danny's age, I had a very good relationship with my grandmother (every time she came over to stay, she would sleep with me, and would pretend to be camping because I wanted to) and listening to this brought back memories of those days.
I loved how . Of course, not forgetting her .
The target audience for this one is much younger than I am, but I enjoyed it all the same and am looking forward to listening to another by the author.
A sweet story about Danny Chung struggling to get to know his nai nai, whom he has never seen for reasons that are gradually revealed in the book. Although I thought it was a bit unfair of his parents to not give him some heads-up, instead letting him get all excited about having new bunk beds in his room and inviting friends over, it was such a beautiful journey of seeing a young boy get to know his grandmother even when they don't speak the same language. At Danny's age, I had a very good relationship with my grandmother (every time she came over to stay, she would sleep with me, and would pretend to be camping because I wanted to) and listening to this brought back memories of those days.
I loved how . Of course, not forgetting her .
The target audience for this one is much younger than I am, but I enjoyed it all the same and am looking forward to listening to another by the author.
September 4, 2021
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.
I enjoy middle grade intergenerational stories, so I liked getting to see the development of the relationship between Danny and his Nai Nai. I think this is a good story for helping kids see that math is more than simple completing computation worksheets. I know this book was first published in Britain, and while some things were changed, not all things were changed. Because of this I think there are some things that my throw of my American students.
I enjoy middle grade intergenerational stories, so I liked getting to see the development of the relationship between Danny and his Nai Nai. I think this is a good story for helping kids see that math is more than simple completing computation worksheets. I know this book was first published in Britain, and while some things were changed, not all things were changed. Because of this I think there are some things that my throw of my American students.
November 19, 2021
Danny Chung lives with is parents in England. He has a best friend and he loves drawing comics in his spare time aaaand also when he should be doing his homework. But his entire world is turned upside down when his Chinese grandmother comes to live with him in, Danny Chung Sums It Up.
While this book teaches the value of family, it also showcases the Chinese culture, something that is very interesting to read about. None of the characters are perfect and each seems to be...
Read my full review here: http://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2021/11...
While this book teaches the value of family, it also showcases the Chinese culture, something that is very interesting to read about. None of the characters are perfect and each seems to be...
Read my full review here: http://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2021/11...
March 28, 2022
Not only does this book feature a Chinese family, but it also gives readers insights into their culture and even gently shows examples of the harm caused by cultural stereotypes and exclusion. On top of that, Danny’s math struggles are very relatable, and the book has dyslexia-friendly formatting: the font resembles handwritten letters and has wider spacing. There are also comic-book-like images with strong black and white ink contrast. It manages to be an engaging, sweet story with real stakes and endearing characters.
September 30, 2022
Danny's favourite thing to do is draw.
But his parents think he is meant to be good at Maths, as it is the Chinese Way.
But Danny hates Maths and feels trapped.
And that feeling of being trapped is made far worse when his Nai Nai (grandmother) appears from China... speaking no English AND sharing a bedroom with Danny.
But as he gets to know Nai Nai he starts to realise that they may have more in common than he first supposed.
This is a fun, funny story of cultural differences and family dynamics.
But his parents think he is meant to be good at Maths, as it is the Chinese Way.
But Danny hates Maths and feels trapped.
And that feeling of being trapped is made far worse when his Nai Nai (grandmother) appears from China... speaking no English AND sharing a bedroom with Danny.
But as he gets to know Nai Nai he starts to realise that they may have more in common than he first supposed.
This is a fun, funny story of cultural differences and family dynamics.
May 12, 2024
I found this book very relatable in a couple of ways and it's fun to read!
1. locations in Birmingham
2. I like Chan's attempt to break stereotypes about Chinese people. It's true that there are different types of Chinese and not all of them are good at Maths or speaking the same language.
3. Situations are authentically depicted, including an annoying auntie, interaction between Danny and his classmates and Danny's difficulties in overcoming generational and intercultural differences.
I look forward to seeing this story being produced as a short movie. :)
1. locations in Birmingham
2. I like Chan's attempt to break stereotypes about Chinese people. It's true that there are different types of Chinese and not all of them are good at Maths or speaking the same language.
3. Situations are authentically depicted, including an annoying auntie, interaction between Danny and his classmates and Danny's difficulties in overcoming generational and intercultural differences.
I look forward to seeing this story being produced as a short movie. :)
June 11, 2021
Humorous and relatable, quite effectively busts the stereotype of a Chinese kid.
Would have loved to see Auntie Clarissa Yee get more of a come-uppance.
Grocery store owner is depicted as gay.
School bullying dynamics that many kids would enjoy reading about.
Danny lies quite a few times and gets away with it.
Good depiction of Chinese customs and chinese hanyupinyin, effective in getting people to understand Chinese culture a bit more.
Would have loved to see Auntie Clarissa Yee get more of a come-uppance.
Grocery store owner is depicted as gay.
School bullying dynamics that many kids would enjoy reading about.
Danny lies quite a few times and gets away with it.
Good depiction of Chinese customs and chinese hanyupinyin, effective in getting people to understand Chinese culture a bit more.
September 19, 2021
A heartfelt story about finding out who you are and being proud of yourself and your family. When Nai Nai comes to stay Danny is far from impressed but he soon learns some important lessons about life, family and saying sorry. I found the book to be very moving.
It brought back memories of going to bingo with my own grandparents at the community centre as a child. Funny and heartwarming all in one this is definitely a book to add to the shelves of every bookcase
It brought back memories of going to bingo with my own grandparents at the community centre as a child. Funny and heartwarming all in one this is definitely a book to add to the shelves of every bookcase
May 14, 2022
Danny’s life is upended when his Chinese grandmother comes to live with his family in the UK. Having a new roommate who loves bingo and math doesn’t sit well with an eleven-year-old who’d rather draw and have fun with his friends. However, through eventual shared experiences and family bonding, the two learn to help each other, with each achieving their heart’s desire. Middle-grade kids with multigenerational connections may see themselves in this sweet book.
April 8, 2023
Het leek een eeuwigheid te duren voor we aan het einde van dit audioboek kwamen, wat altijd een teken aan de wand is van hoe graag de kinderen er naar luisteren. Danny lag hen niet als hoofdpersonage, daarvoor waren zijn oma cartoons iets te gemeen en zijn negatieve gevoelens wat te groot. Maar op het eind komt alles goed, al was het gelukkig toch een ietsje minder voorspelbaar goed einde dan verwacht.
September 16, 2021
A funny, heartwarming and perfectly pitched story for middle grade readers. This story is full of heart, with brilliant and memorable characters and is a much needed addition to UK kid lit bookshops and schools! I raced through it with a huge smile - a story filled with bingo, lychees, art and friendship. It celebrates empathy, family and being who you really are.
November 23, 2021
This was such a cute little story! I loved every minute of it! I think a lot of middle grade students will enjoy reading this as well. It shows them that it’s okay to be different and to be who you are. All views and opinions stated in this review are my own. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!
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