A good introduction for young readers to a specific snapshot in time that I don't think receives much attention. We follow Mei, a young teen living in a logging camp during the 1800s where tensions arise between the Chinese and American workers. Looking to find some stability in this time, Mei crafts the stories of Auntie Po, a towering Chinese matriarch reminiscent of Paul Bunyan. The story is an excellent take on the transformation and reinvention of myths from mixing cultural influences. As a young immigrant, Mei knows little about her ancestral homeland, but eventually finds comfort in taking part in her family's traditional rituals while also figuring out what being an American looks like to her.

The historical aspect is the key focus, though there is some time devoted to Mei's crush on her friend, Bee. It's very lightly queer, nothing more than youthful pining for the most part. The representation is fine for younger readers though older ones may find it lacking.

The watercolor illustrations give a sort of grounded feel to the other fantastical image of Auntie Po. I couldn't tell whether I liked it or felt mostly apathetic. I think the white empty eyes of the characters made me feel a little disconnected from them.