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First on Maple Lane: Kai's Big Move
Paperback
Series: Kai Zheng, Book 1
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Jul 23 2026
Pages: 30
Weight: 0.21
Height: 0.08 Width: 8.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
Moving from the roaring, bustling streets of the big city to the quiet, giant lawns of a new suburban neighborhood is a massive shift for nine-year-old Kai Zhang. The silence is heavy, the houses look lonely, and nearly everyone at his new school looks completely different from him.
Armed with nothing but his favorite pixelated retro red dragon shirt, a container of homemade pork-and-chive dumplings, and a secret green crayon Bravery List, Kai faces his biggest challenge yet: standing out.
When a school project brings up the terrifying legend of the ancient Nian monster, Kai has a choice to make. Will he hide his family's traditions to blend in with the crowd, or will he find the courage to share his unique flavor with the world?
A heartwarming, beautifully illustrated tale celebrating identity, heritage, and the courage it takes to self-accept, First on Maple Lane is a must-have addition to any child's bookshelf.
Why Parents, Teachers, and Librarians Love This Book:Celebrates Heritage & Culture: Seamlessly introduces young readers to rich Chinese traditions, from the symbolism of Lunar New Year and hóngbāo to delicious cultural comfort foods.
Navigates Big Life Changes: A deeply relatable story for any child dealing with the anxiety of moving, starting a new school, or feeling like an outsider.
Inspired by the Author's Childhood: Authentically written by a second-generation Asian American author who used his own real-life memories of moving from the city to the suburbs at age nine to give Kai's journey a powerful, genuine voice.
Perfect for Classrooms: Includes a dedicated page of interactive Discussion Questions at the back, making it an excellent resource for elementary school teachers, school counselors, and family reading time.
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