Auntie q's Golden Claws Nail Salon - by Van Hoang Hardcover

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Domi spends the summer working in her aunt's nail salon to repay her parents for a costly mistake and fights to save the business after learning the salon is at risk of closing.

Book Synopsis

A funny and heartwarming middle grade novel about first jobs and second chances where one girl's summer punishment becomes a mission to save a struggling nail salon and bring her family together--perfect for fans of Front Desk and Millionaires for the Month.

Twelve-year-old Domi Pham had the perfect summer planned: lounging by the pool, making art with her best friend, and celebrating her escape from seventh grade. But one costly mistake puts her dream summer on hold. Instead, she finds herself deep in debt to her parents, and shipped off to New Mexico to work at her Auntie Q's nail salon for the next three months.

At first, Domi is miserable--surrounded by nosy aunties, constant nail polish fumes, and endless work. But as she gets to know Auntie Q and the people in the salon, she starts to see their struggles and resilience in a new light. When she discovers that the salon is at risk of closing, Domi puts her creativity and determination to the test to help save it.

A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION

Review Quotes

"A sparkling exploration of identity and belonging." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A fiercely family-focused, heartwarming coming-of-age story. I laughed, I teared up, and I cheered for Domi as she learned to find the truth in herself." --Julie Abe, author of the Eva Evergreen and Tessa Miyata series

"This book will hook you in with its claw-some jokes and rip-roaring adventure!" --Remy Lai, author-illustrator of Ghost Book and Pie in the Sky

"Sharp, spunky, and lovable, Domi Pham is the type of unforgettable young heroine who stays with you long after the story ends." --Katie Zhao, author of the Dragon Warrior and Winnie Zeng series

About the Author

Van Hoang is an author of books for adults and young readers, including Girl Giant and the Monkey King and Girl Giant and the Jade War. She earned her bachelor's degree in English at the University of New Mexico and her master's in library information science at San Jose State University. Van was born in Vietnam, grew in up Orange County, California, and now resides in Los Angeles.