Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses the novel’s treatment of racism and gentrification.

At Anaheim Junior High, the seventh-grade math class is decorating a Christmas tree. Mia Tang, the novel’s protagonist, turns to ask Lupe to help, forgetting that her friend doesn’t share any of her classes this year. Lupe tested into the eighth-grade courses and has become distant with all her studying. Luckily, Mia’s friend Jason is still in her classes. Jason is studying and excelling at culinary arts. His classmates at school tease him for pursuing something they say is meant for “old ladies” (2), but Mia encourages him to chase his dream.

Mia’s family is finally going on a Christmas vacation to China; Mia and her parents moved away four years ago. Since airline tickets are expensive, Mia’s parents want to stay for six weeks. Lupe’s parents, who also work at the Calivista motel that Mia’s parents own, will ensure things run smoothly while the Tangs are away. Mia requires one more teacher’s permission to miss a few weeks of school until she is fully excused: her English teacher, Ms. Swann.