• 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

Packed with humor and heart, this debut middle grade series follows a girl finding her place in a brand-new world of private school and frenemies when her family moves to Hong Kong.

Holly-Mei Jones couldn’t be more excited about moving to Hong Kong for her mother’s job. Her new school is right on the beach and her family’s apartment is beyond beautiful. Everything is going to be perfect . . . right?

Maybe not. It feels like everywhere she turns, there are new rules to follow and expectations to meet. On top of that, the most popular girl in her grade is quickly becoming a frenemy. And without the guidance of her loving Ah-ma, who stayed behind in Toronto, Holly-Mei just can’t seem to get it right.

It will take all of Holly-Mei’s determination and sparkle (and maybe even a tiny bit of stubbornness) to get through seventh grade and turn her life in Hong Kong into the ultimate adventure!

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 is the author The Shadow in the Moon and the Holly-Mei middle-grade series. 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

Red Dot Book Award (Winner)

"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

"A sweet coming-of-age novel that explores culture and friendship with an authentic character sure to engage middle grade readers." —SLJ