One lie snowballs into a full-blown double life in this irresistible story about an aspiring stand-up comedian.
On the outside, Yumi Chung suffers from #shygirlproblems, a perm-gone-wrong, and kids calling her “Yu-MEAT” because she smells like her family’s Korean barbecue restaurant. On the inside, Yumi is ready for her Netflix stand-up special. Her notebook is filled with mortifying memories that she’s reworked into comedy gold. All she needs is a stage and courage.
Instead of spending the summer studying her favorite YouTube comedians, Yumi is enrolled in test-prep tutoring to qualify for a private school scholarship, which will help in a time of hardship at the restaurant. One day after class, Yumi stumbles on an opportunity that will change her life: a comedy camp for kids taught by one of her favorite YouTube stars. The only problem is that the instructor and all the students think she’s a girl named Kay Nakamura–and Yumi doesn’t correct them.
As this case of mistaken identity unravels, Yumi must decide to stand up and reveal the truth or risk losing her dreams and disappointing everyone she cares about.
Book cover by Jennifer Hom
Hear a sample of the audiobook here
Available for purchase at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop (indie), Penguin Random House, and other book retailers
Trailer for Stand Up, Yumi Chung!
Reviews
★ “With wonderful supporting characters, strong pacing, and entertaining comedy bits, debut author Kim has woven a pop song of immigrant struggle […] authentic and hilarious.”
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “[Author Jessica Kim] has taught school, and it shows, both with the spot-on dialogue and the up-to-date social media references.”
– Booklist, starred review
★ “Uplifting… A timeless and heartwarming tale of individuality and understanding. Readers today will relate to the ongoing battle between parents who want the best for their children and the children’s desire to forge a path of their own.”
– School Library Connection, starred review
“[A] well-paced debut… [Yumi’s] gradual journey toward self-confidence will resonate with anyone who has had shy or awkward stages.”
– Publishers Weekly
“Readers will root for Yumi even as they cringe at her choices in this refreshing novel. Highly recommended—every school has at least one Yumi!”
– School Library Journal
Interviews & Media
How Jessica Kim Created Her Aspiring Kid Comic (Kirkus)
Funny Females Take Center Stage in New Novels for Kids (Publishers Weekly)
Jessica Kim Gets Funny and Talks Family in “Stand Up, Yumi Chung!” (School Library Journal)
A Fuse 8 Production Review of the Day (School Library Journal)
An Indies Introduce Q&A With “Stand Up, Yumi Chung!” Author Jessica Kim (Bookselling This Week)
Mochi Magazine – Interview
Booklist Webinar: Introducing Penguin’s New Kids on the Block – Interview
Books and Boba Podcast – Interview
Dalsaram [Dallas, TX] – NTTBF interview
Social Distance Book Fest Panel: Family, Friendship & Determination in MG – Panel