After Ruby Lu's deaf cousin, Flying Duck, and her parents come from China to live with her, Ruby finds life challenging as she adjusts to her new family, tries to mend her rocky relationship with her friend Emma, and faces various adventures in summer school.

Fearful seven-year-old Alvin Ho goes on a trip to China with his family.

A fearful second grader in Concord, Massachusetts, learns about death when his grandfather's best friend dies and he offers to accompany his grandfather to the funeral.

"Almost-eight-year-old" Ruby Lu spends time with her baby brother, goes to Chinese school, performs magic tricks and learns to drive, and has adventures with both old and new friends.