• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7

"I can't wait for readers to explore Hong Kong with Holly-Mei. I have no doubt they will love both as much as I did." —Erin Entrada Kelly, 2018 Newbery Medalist and 2021 Newbery Honoree on The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei

Return to Hong Kong in the second book of this charming middle grade series starring Holly-Mei, a girl navigating her new city, new school, and new friendships.

It’s the start of a new year, and Holly-Mei Jones is determined to make the most of it. She has amazing friends, a great field hockey team, and Hong Kong at her doorstep. This semester is going to be perfect . . . right?

Maybe not. Despite their closeness last year, Holly-Mei’s friend group seems to be splintering. Desperate to bring everyone together, she ropes her friends into competing as a team in an inter-school tournament across the city.

But as Holly-Mei becomes obsessed with winning, her friends seem less interested in the tournament—and in her new attitude. Will she be able to pull off her perfect plan?

Praise for The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei
“Unique and universal all at once.” —Kate Messner, author of Breakout and Chirp
“A charming, truthful, and heartfelt middle grade debut.” —Katie Zhao, author of The Dragon Warrior series and Last Gamer Standing
“From the very first line, I felt as if Holly-Mei was taking me by the hand and pulling me into her story.” Lauren Child, author and illustrator of the Charlie and Lola and Clarice Bean series

Christina Matula grew up in Ottawa, Canada. Being a child of immigrant parents, she has always been curious about other cultures and far-off places. Dumplings are her favorite food, especially her mother’s savory Taiwanese jiaozi and her father’s sweet Hungarian gomboc. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Hong Kong and now lives in Finland with her husband, two children, and puppy.

Christina Matula's profile page

Praise for The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei

"I can't wait for readers to explore Hong Kong with Holly-Mei. I have no doubt they will love both as much as I did." —Erin Entrada Kelly, 2018 Newbery Medalist and 2021 Newbery Honoree

"Unique and universal all at once, Holly-Mei’s story of moving to a high-pressure world of glitz and wealth will have readers turning pages—and thinking about their own friendships that might need mending." —Kate Messner, author of Breakout and Chirp

"In The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei, Christina Matula shines a light on the challenges and triumphs of middle school life for diaspora children. Readers will root for the lovable Holly-Mei as she navigates a new life in Hong Kong, forging friendships and exploring all the wonders of Chinese culture. A charming, truthful, and heartfelt middle grade debut—I can’t wait for readers to meet Holly-Mei!" —Katie Zhao, author of The Dragon Warrior series and Last Gamer Standing

"From the very first line I felt as if Holly-Mei was taking me by the hand and pulling me into her story." —Lauren Child, author and illustrator of the Charlie and Lola and Clarice Bean series

"Absolutely enchanting." —Buzzfeed

"Life upheaval offers a tween lessons on socialization in this story of personal growth." —Kirkus Reviews

"A whirlwind of new experiences... The fusion of Mean Girls and a kid's version of Crazy Rich Asians will have readers returning." —Booklist