Mike Jung

Mike Jung is an American children's book author known for writing contemporary middle-grade novels that often feature Asian American protagonists and explore themes of identity, friendship, and social anxiety. His debut novel "Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities" was published in 2012 and follows Vincent Wu, a superhero superfan who discovers his favorite hero's secret identity. Jung's subsequent works include "Unidentified Suburban Object" (2016) and "The Boys in the Back Row" (2020), both of which received recognition for their representation of Korean American characters. Beyond his writing, Jung is an advocate for diversity in children's literature and has been involved with We Need Diverse Books, a non-profit organization promoting representation in publishing. His work frequently incorporates elements of humor while addressing serious topics such as racial identity and belonging. Jung draws from his own experiences as a Korean American and someone who has dealt with anxiety, incorporating these perspectives into his storytelling. His books have been noted for their authentic voice and relatable characters that resonate with middle-grade readers.

Mike Jung's middle grade books have a dedicated following among young readers who relate to his neurodivergent and Asian American characters. On Goodreads, readers highlight his authentic portrayal of anxiety, ADHD, and social struggles in "The Boys in the Back Row" and "Unidentified Suburban Object." Readers appreciate: - Use of humor while tackling serious topics - Diverse representation without making it the main focus - Realistic friend dynamics and school situations - Nuanced exploration of family relationships Common criticisms: - Plot pacing can feel uneven - Some dialogue reads as too adult-like - Side characters need more development Average ratings: Goodreads: - The Boys in the Back Row: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) - Unidentified Suburban Object: 3.9/5 (800+ ratings) Amazon: - The Boys in the Back Row: 4.4/5 (50+ reviews) - Unidentified Suburban Object: 4.3/5 (90+ reviews)

Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities - A 12-year-old superhero superfan and his friends become entangled in an adventure when they discover the true identity of their city's famous superhero, Captain Stupendous.

Unidentified Suburban Object - A Korean American middle school student who excels at academics discovers unexpected truths about her family history that challenge everything she thought she knew about her identity.

The Boys in the Back Row - Two best friends navigate their final weeks together in middle school band class while dealing with bullies, comic conventions, and the approaching reality of separation.

Linda Sue Park writes middle-grade fiction centered on Korean American experiences and cultural identity. Her work includes both contemporary and historical settings, with characters navigating family relationships and personal growth.

Gene Luen Yang creates graphic novels and books featuring Asian American protagonists dealing with identity and belonging. His stories blend humor with deeper themes about cultural expectations and finding one's place in the world.

Lisa Yee writes middle-grade novels featuring diverse characters confronting social pressures and personal challenges. She incorporates humor while exploring themes of friendship and self-discovery in contemporary settings.

Christina Soontornvat produces middle-grade fiction combining elements of fantasy with real-world issues about identity and belonging. Her work features Asian protagonists navigating complex relationships and discovering their strengths.

Wendy Wan-Long Shang creates stories about Chinese American youth dealing with family expectations and finding their voice. Her books address cultural identity and social dynamics while maintaining focus on authentic middle-grade experiences.