Shawn Xiang Frei, an eleven-year-old boy from a multiracial family, lives with his Chinese American mother from Taiwan, his Caucasian father, his spirited three-year-old brother, Christopher, and his newborn baby sister, Olivia. While Shawn enjoys the best of both worlds-Western and Eastern traditions-family gatherings like their Chinese New Year's feast are anything but ordinary, filled with laughter, cultural quirks, and his little brother's endless antics.
During a long-awaited family trip to Taiwan, Shawn begins to connect with his extended family and explore the island's wonders, from Taipei 101 and mountain temples to the serene cold springs of the lush countryside. As he begins to uncover the stories and traditions behind his Chinese heritage, Shawn feels more connected to his family than ever-until his excitement turns to shock when he learns the family will be moving to Taiwan for an entire year. Torn between his comfortable life in San Diego and the unknown year ahead, Shawn must learn to embrace change and discover the joys of family, culture, and new adventures.