6Dec · Sun
15:00 – 17:00
SOWA Reads15:00 – 17:00
Reading Circle: American Born Chinese
0 / 12 registered · 12 spots left
Register← All lists
SOWA Picks · November 2026
This month: Growing Up, Your Way
Somewhere between Year 9 and Year 12 there is suddenly a lot to think about: school, friends, the future, and who you actually are. This month’s five books include a graphic novel about identity, a sci-fi comedy you won’t be able to put down and some gentle Chinese essays. Some in English, some in Chinese. Pick one and start. (Sample list)
SOWA Reading Programme · Read more. Think bigger. Grow together.
This month’s books
- 01
American Born Chinese
A Printz Award-winning graphic novel that weaves three stories together: the Monkey King, a Chinese American boy trying to fit in at a new school, and a cringe-worthy “cousin”. By the end they connect, and it all comes back to accepting the whole of who you are.
Why read it
I used to think I had to pick a side. Turns out I don’t.
- 02
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Earth gets demolished, and Arthur Dent, still in his dressing gown, is dragged onto an alien spaceship by a friend. A wildly funny trip across the universe that leaves you curious about life, the universe and everything.
Why read it
My go-to after physics homework. Don’t panic, and bring a towel.
- 03
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
A boy, a cake-loving mole, a wary fox and a gentle horse walk a journey together. Hand-drawn pictures and short conversations about friendship, kindness and the courage to ask for help.
Why read it
Took ten minutes to read. Three pages are now my lock screen.
- 04
Journey to the West
The Monkey King bursts out of a stone, then joins his master and fellow disciples on a long road west, fighting monsters, bickering and making up along the way. The most fun of China’s four classic novels, and a story about teamwork and not giving up. Abridged editions are a good place to start.
Why read it
Grew up on the cartoon. In the book they bicker nonstop and still finish the trip together.
- 05
人间草木 (Renjian Caomu)
A collection of short essays by Wang Zengqi about flowers, insects, food and the ordinary people around him. Clear, playful Chinese in bite-sized pieces that make everyday life feel a little lovelier.
Why read it
He makes a flower or a bowl of noodles sound amazing. My fix for Chinese essay writer’s block.
This month’s Reading Circle
Finished the book or not, come and talk about it.