Pie in the Sky

Jingwen's family was supposed to move to Australia together, but when his father dies, it's even harder to leave his home in China.  Now he and his younger brother Yanghao are living with their mother in a small apartment in a country where no one speaks his language.

He feels like an alien, and it doesn't help that the annoying Yanghao is pretty much the only person he can talk to.  He spends most of his time daydreaming about all the fabulous desserts he would have made with his father in their imaginary shop, Pie in the Sky.

Jingwen feels like his father is slipping further away every day, so he comes up with a plan.  He and Yanghao will make one of the fantastic recipes for Pie in the Sky every day.  The problem?  Their mother has forbidden them from using the oven while she's at work.  She also won't let them bake while she's home, so they decide to bake in secret while she's at work.

This leads to some hilarious and dangerous situations! 

Remy Lai's story about two immigrant brothers is a great read.  She really captures the Jingwen's feelings of isolation and loneliness as he struggles to adapt to what seems like an alien life.  The author's illustrations add to the effectiveness of the book.  Immigrant kids will see themselves in these pages, and nonimmigrants may get some idea of the work it takes to be successful in a new country.  Highly recommended.