Perfect for fans of Kelly Yang and Jessica Kim, this joyful, moving middle grade contemporary follows a big-hearted Taiwanese American girl as she aims to gain her family’s acceptance and save her favorite boba tea shop by selling her handcrafted amigurumi dolls.

Pearl Li is ready to spend the summer before seventh grade hanging out with her two best friends, crocheting the cutest amigurumi dolls, and visiting her favorite tea shop, Boba Time. Its quirky owner, Auntie Cha, is the only adult Pearl can confide in about her art—if only her tech-obsessed family would understand her love of crafts!

After Pearl learns of Boba Time’s financial troubles, she decides to sell her amigurumi to raise money for the shop. But as she navigates the ups and downs of running a business, Pearl realizes that monetizing her passion is more complicated than she could’ve ever imagined. Can Pearl save Boba Time before it’s too late?

Featuring fun backmatter—including a delicious boba tea recipe—this is a heartfelt story about advocating for your passions and uncovering big truths about friendship, family, and entrepreneurship along the way.

Arts and Crafts Passion: Pearl Li lives for crocheting her adorable amigurumi dolls, but her tech-obsessed family thinks her hobby is a waste of time.
Saving a Small Business: When her favorite boba tea shop is in trouble, Pearl decides to turn her passion into a business to help its quirky owner, Auntie Cha.
Family Expectations: In a family of coders and tech geniuses, Pearl must find the courage to advocate for her creativity and prove that art has value, too.
Taiwanese American Culture: Filled with delicious food, cultural details, and the warmth of community—plus a real recipe for boba tea in the back!

It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li!

It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li!