The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

SHORT-LISTED: 2020 Prime Minister's Literary Award, Young Adult Fiction


Anna Chiu has her hands pretty full looking after her brother and sister and helping out at her dad's restaurant, all while her mum stays in bed. Dad's new delivery boy, Rory, is a welcome distraction and even though she knows that things aren't right at home, she's starting to feel like she could just be a normal teen. But when Mum finally gets out of bed, things go from bad to worse. And as Mum's condition worsens, Anna and her family question everything they understand about themselves and each other. 


This nourishing tale about the crevices of culture, mental wellness and family was the winner of the Indie Book Awards.


'A book with a huge heartbeat and so much love infused in every page.' Alice Pung, author of Laurinda


'Deeply immersive storytelling, with sophistication and unfailing empathy. I adored this book.' Leanne Hall, author of Iris and the Tiger


'A heartwarming tale of family, food, and first love that will make you cry both happy and sad tears.' Justine Labalestier, author of My Sister Rosa