A universal story of growing up, and gives voice to the deep desire to be elsewhere - and perhaps to be someone else entirely - that accompanies many (perhaps almost all?) journeys through adolescence. I was struck particularly by the way See-Tho carefully uncovers the story of Lei Ling's mother, and this thoughtful and well-paced aspect of the narrative is a reminder that it takes most children many years to realise that their parents have identities unrelated to them, and lived a whole life before they came along which makes them who they are.

Jade and Emerald is a warm and generously told story, and a fresh take on culture, class, identity, and belonging.