This year's Markham Reads winner, Restaurant Kid: A Memoir of Family and Belonging by Rachel Phan, tells the story of what it’s like to grow up in a family restaurant. Many kids spend their afternoons doing homework or hanging out with friends. But for Rachel, life was different. Her family owned a Chinese restaurant, and she spent most of her time there. This shaped who she was and how she saw the world.
One big theme in the book is belonging. Rachel often felt caught between two places. At home, she followed her family’s traditions. At school, she tried to fit in with kids who didn’t look like her or understand her culture. This made her wonder where she truly belonged.
Another theme is family sacrifice. Rachel’s parents worked long, hard hours to keep the restaurant running. They wanted a better life for their children, even if it meant giving up time, rest, and comfort. Rachel didn’t always understand this when she was young, but as she grew older, she began to see how much her parents had done for her.
The book also explores identity. Rachel learns that she doesn’t have to choose between being Chinese and being Canadian. She can be both. Her culture, her family’s history, and her own experiences all shape who she is.
In the end, Restaurant Kid shows that growing up isn’t always easy, especially when you feel different. But it also shows that understanding your family and your past can help you understand yourself. Borrow the book today at your local branch or access the eAudiobook or eBook here.
Add a comment to: Growing Up in a Restaurant: What Restaurant Kid Teaches Us