Kimchi & Calamari

Kimchi & Calamari by Rose Kent, published by Harper Collins on April 10, 2007, is a 240-page work of juvenile fiction that explores themes of identity and belonging. The story follows Joseph Calderaro, an adopted Korean boy raised in an Italian family, as he grapples with his mixed heritage and the complexities of his background. Tasked with writing an essay about his ancestors, Joseph embarks on a journey of self-discovery that reveals more about himself than he initially anticipated.
Readers will find a narrative that delves into social themes surrounding family, adoption, and adolescence. Joseph’s unique perspective as a drummer and comic book enthusiast adds depth to his character as he navigates the challenges of understanding his identity in a multicultural context. The book addresses the intricacies of growing up between different cultures, making it a thoughtful exploration of the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander youth.
Official synopsis Publisher
Kimchi and calamari. It sounds like a quirky food fusion of Korean and Italian cuisine, and it’s exactly how Joseph Calderaro feels about himself. Why wouldn’t an adopted Korean drummer—comic book junkie feel like a combo platter given:
(1) his face in the mirror
(2) his proud Italian family.
And now Joseph has to write an essay about his ancestors for social studies. All he knows is that his birth family shipped his diapered butt on a plane to the USA. End of story. But what he writes leads to a catastrophe messier than a table of shattered dishes—and self-discovery that Joseph never could have imagined.
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