“There is meaning behind every name.” And right from the first page of The Many Meanings of Meilan by Andrea Wang, I knew that I would be getting a story that was heartfelt and meaningful. Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for the gifted copy. 

Meilan is an imaginative storyteller and what was innocently a bedtime story for her younger cousin becomes the fuel that seemingly tears her family apart. Soon, Meilan finds herself in the car with her parents and Gonggong (grandfather) as they leave Boston, the recently-sold family bakery and the rest of the family. On this journey out, Meilan - once nicknamed Lanlan - is now just referred to as Lan by her parents. Names have meanings - and as Meilan interprets this name change - she also finds that different parts of her identity fit the different names assigned to her. In the new town that they settle in, Meilan is the only Asian student around and from the very first day, her principal insists on giving her a new name - a more American name - and thus, she is given a new identity once again.

This was a story that tugged at my heartstrings. Andrea Wang weaves a story that demonstrates just how complicated family can be. As much a source of comfort, it can also be a source of pain. It is a story about healing, grief, finding peace, and also of standing up for oneself even in the face of racism and ignorance. The Many Meanings of Meilan is a story that will linger with me for awhile and for many readers, I believe it will resonate with them as they connect to the young and courageous Meilan.