It's Boba Time for Pearl Li!

About this book

Perfect for fans of Kelly Yang and Jessica Kim, this joyful, moving middle grade contemporary follows a big-hearted Taiwanese American girl as she aims to gain her family's acceptance and save her favorite boba tea shop by selling her handcrafted amigurumi dolls. Pearl Li is ready to spend the summer before seventh grade hanging out with her two best friends, crocheting the cutest amigurumi dolls, and visiting her favorite tea shop, Boba Time. Its quirky owner, Auntie Cha, is the only adult Pearl can confide in about her art--if only her tech-obsessed family would understand her love of crafts! After Pearl learns of Boba Time's financial troubles, she decides to sell her amigurumi to raise money for the shop. But as she navigates the ups and downs of running a business, Pearl realizes that

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Why widely assigned

This Juvenile Fiction title, typically at grades 6–8. Published in the canon; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• South Carolina Junior Book Award

  • recommended·6th grade · South Carolinasource: South Carolina Junior Book Award (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) — 2025-26 nominee (grades 6-8), read + voted by South Carolina students; nominee list via studySC / SC State Library + SCASL
  • recommended·7th grade · South Carolinasource: South Carolina Junior Book Award (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) — 2025-26 nominee (grades 6-8), read + voted by South Carolina students; nominee list via studySC / SC State Library + SCASL
  • recommended·8th grade · South Carolinasource: South Carolina Junior Book Award (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) — 2025-26 nominee (grades 6-8), read + voted by South Carolina students; nominee list via studySC / SC State Library + SCASL

Common questions

What grade level is It's Boba Time for Pearl Li!?

It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 6–8. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

What curricula assign It's Boba Time for Pearl Li!?

It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! appears on reading lists for South Carolina Junior Book Award. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! banned in schools?

It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.