School Library Journal calls X. Fang’s BROKEN a “flawless picture book” and “a must-buy and ideal read-aloud for all libraries” in starred review

SLJ Reviews – October, 2025

★ Fang, X. Broken. illus. by X. Fang. 48p. Tundra. Oct. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781774882009.

PreS-Gr 2: This flawless picture book teaches young readers that with honesty, love, and a little glue, there is no mistake too big to fix. Fang (Dim Sum Palace, We Are Definitely Human) is back with a heartwarming tale of a universal childhood (and adulthood) experience: breaking something important. Playful young protagonist Mei Mei accidentally knocks over Ama’s favorite mug, and this is the story of the ­hilarious path she takes to make things right. The first-person narration will help listeners build empathy and connection for Mei Mei. The illustrations vividly and comically tell the story on their own, conveying the wide range of emotions Mei Mei experiences throughout her ordeal. Simple sentences and ample white space will also help beginning readers access this text.

VERDICT This is a perfect fit for SEL lessons about owning up to one’s mistakes and asking for forgiveness. A must-buy and ideal read-aloud for all libraries.

–Maria Bohan