Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller

Magnolia Wu finds adventure in her own neighborhood while chasing down the owners of orphan socks.

Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller. Philomel, 2024, 145 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10

Recommended for: ages 6-10 as a read-aloud, ages 7-11 independent readers

Magnolia Wu is looking forward to turning 10, “because the number 9 looked like a sprout coming out of the ground, small and easily stomped. Ten . . . looked like a sword and shield that belonged to someone who was about to conquer the world.” Conquering the world has to wait, though, because Magnolia Wu will be stuck inside the Bing Qi Ling Bubbles Laundromat with her parents all summer. There’s not much to do except wrap up in cocoons made of sheets and pin orphan socks onto the bulletin board. That is, until her mom’s best friend moves to New York City from California. Her daughter Iris happens to be Magnolia’s age.

Iris seems a little standoffish at first. But it’s her idea to try to find the owners of all those socks, and before long the girls are off on a mystery tour following clues that will lead in unexpected directions. Many mysteries will be solved—not only about socks but about owners, for

just below the surface of a person, there were endless unexpected layers and stories, pain and longings and dreams, and how grateful she was to have glimpsed them.

This is true of new best friends and old enemies, as well as and people you see every day on the street. Magnolia and Iris have the freedom to explore the neighbor and go where adventure leads, which should be a hint for readers their age: put down the Gameboy and go outside!

Bottom Line: a genuinely fun and original read (with fun and original illustrations to match) that packs a powerful message about the common glories of life.

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Resources: Looking for things to do this summer? Check out our Summer Fun Booklist.

Reviews: Lulu and Cody are two more winsome book companions with a zest for life and neighborhood adventure.

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