Gigi Shin
2 primary works
Book 1
This first book in a sparkling middle grade series “reminiscent of Ann M. Martin’s Baby-Sitters Club books” (Kirkus Reviews) follows a young Korean American girl who starts a business with her best friends to support her artistic dreams.
Jiyoung “Gigi” Shin loves to create, from her zany outfits to self-executed haircuts. She dreams of becoming an artist and doodles every chance she gets—at school instead of taking notes, in choir instead of singing, and at home instead of homework. Art is her way of escaping her boring life in suburban Middle of Nowhere, Texas. Unfortunately, her working class, immigrant parents want her to focus on her studies and pursue something more “practical.” Gigi only really feels like herself in art class and at lunch with her best friends, Carolina and Zeina.
When Gigi learns about an elite art camp on the east coast, she’s determined to go. But she knows her parents won’t let her, much less pay for it. After overhearing her little brother Tommy complain about how hard math is and how his teacher goes too fast for him, Gigi has a brilliant idea: forming a tutoring club with her friends to make enough money for the art camp.
With Carolina, Zeina, and Carolina’s friend, Emma, the girls go all in, each with a reason for wanting the business to succeed. But the first few sessions with their classmates are a little chaotic, and Gigi wonders if she will end up sacrificing more than she bargained for to achieve her dreams.
Jiyoung “Gigi” Shin loves to create, from her zany outfits to self-executed haircuts. She dreams of becoming an artist and doodles every chance she gets—at school instead of taking notes, in choir instead of singing, and at home instead of homework. Art is her way of escaping her boring life in suburban Middle of Nowhere, Texas. Unfortunately, her working class, immigrant parents want her to focus on her studies and pursue something more “practical.” Gigi only really feels like herself in art class and at lunch with her best friends, Carolina and Zeina.
When Gigi learns about an elite art camp on the east coast, she’s determined to go. But she knows her parents won’t let her, much less pay for it. After overhearing her little brother Tommy complain about how hard math is and how his teacher goes too fast for him, Gigi has a brilliant idea: forming a tutoring club with her friends to make enough money for the art camp.
With Carolina, Zeina, and Carolina’s friend, Emma, the girls go all in, each with a reason for wanting the business to succeed. But the first few sessions with their classmates are a little chaotic, and Gigi wonders if she will end up sacrificing more than she bargained for to achieve her dreams.
Book 2
This second book in a sparkling middle grade series that gives a fresh take on The Baby-Sitters Club follows Gigi and her friends to New York City as they attend the art camp of their dreams.
Gigi Shin is looking forward to her best summer ever: not only did she get accepted to the prestigious Starscape Art Academy in New York City, but so did all her friends and fellow Ace Squad members! Plus, Gigi’s art idol, Christiana Moon, is going to be a guest lecturer and Gigi is determined to make a great impression.
But as soon as they land in NYC, things don’t exactly go to plan. Instead of being able to room with each other, the girls are all assigned to room with other attendees; Gigi is paired with Sohee, who doesn’t seem too excited to have Gigi as a roommate. The workload is heavy, and while the teachers are all experts in their field, they aren’t exactly the best instructors—including Gigi’s idol, Christiana, who’s dismissive when Gigi asks her for advice.
When all the attendees are given a huge opportunity to showcase their work, Gigi and her friends are determined to turn things around and make the best of camp, using the city for inspiration. With the help of some unexpected allies, can Gigi prove to everyone—and herself—that she has what it takes?
Gigi Shin is looking forward to her best summer ever: not only did she get accepted to the prestigious Starscape Art Academy in New York City, but so did all her friends and fellow Ace Squad members! Plus, Gigi’s art idol, Christiana Moon, is going to be a guest lecturer and Gigi is determined to make a great impression.
But as soon as they land in NYC, things don’t exactly go to plan. Instead of being able to room with each other, the girls are all assigned to room with other attendees; Gigi is paired with Sohee, who doesn’t seem too excited to have Gigi as a roommate. The workload is heavy, and while the teachers are all experts in their field, they aren’t exactly the best instructors—including Gigi’s idol, Christiana, who’s dismissive when Gigi asks her for advice.
When all the attendees are given a huge opportunity to showcase their work, Gigi and her friends are determined to turn things around and make the best of camp, using the city for inspiration. With the help of some unexpected allies, can Gigi prove to everyone—and herself—that she has what it takes?