The following version of the book was used to create this study guide: Tang, Betty C. Parachute Kids. Scholastic, New York, NY, 10012. 2023. Kindle AZW file.

In 1981, Feng-Li Lin arrives in California from Taiwan. She is accompanied by her parents and two older siblings, Jia-Xi and Ke-Gang. After some problems with their visas, they visit all the tourist destinations while staying with friends, the Tian family. Feng-Li then discovers that her parents are planning for the three children to remain in America. They say there are more opportunities and freedoms for the children in America than in Taiwan. They believe the sacrifices are worth it to give the children those opportunities. Mr. Lin must return to Taiwan to resume his job. Mrs. Lin can stay until her visa expires. Mrs. Lin and the three children rent a house, and the children begin school. Feng-Li knows virtually no English. Jia-Xi, at 16 years old. She is a serious student who knows some English and is determined to do well. Ke-Gang, slightly younger than Jia-Xi, is furious at the turn of events.

When Mrs. Lin's visa expires, she returns to Taiwan, leaving Jia-Xi in charge with a promise of support from the Tian family. Realistically, the three children are being left on their own. This situation intensifies when the Tian family moves away. Jia-Xi and Ke-Gang bicker constantly. Each of the children struggles with insecurities and problems, and this means they have a highly unstable home life. Ke-Gang struggles with his sexuality. He is attracted to boys, but he has been warned to deny those feelings. He got in trouble in Taiwan and feels that prompted the family's move. He resents Jia-Xi because she seems to do everything right. Jia-Xi feels pressure to be a perfect caregiver for her two younger siblings in spite of being in a new culture with limited contact with her parents. She resents Ke-Gang because boys are preferred in the Taiwan culture. Feng-Li feels the need to intervene when her siblings fight. She feels betrayed that her parents are willing to leave her. She is torn between anger and a deep love and longing for her parents.

Jia-Xi begins assimilating into the school quickly. She knows enough English to get by in most situations, and she is determined to do well. She spends a lot of time studying and soon makes a friend. When Jia-Xi is scammed out of 10,000 dollars by someone posing as an immigration official, she begins spending all her time in bed. Feng-Li tries to steal a video game that she believes will make her popular with her classmates. Ke-Gang resents being in America. Hrefuses to take an Americanized name and befriends a group of Asian boys who turn out to be a bad influence. When Ke-Gang and a boy name Pete are seen on the verge of kissing, Pete shoves Ke-Gang down an embankment. Ke-Gang ends up in serious condition in the hospital.

Mr. and Mrs. Lin must put off their return to America because of Jia-Xi falling for the scam. Feng-Li is furious, but a neighbor unexpectedly pays her for doing some yard work. This prompts Feng-Li to find more jobs around the neighborhood. When Jia-Xi realizes what her younger sister is doing, she pulls herself from her depression and gets a job as well. By the time Mr. and Mrs. Lin return to America, the children have begun working together to make the best of their new lives. When their parents return to Taiwan, Feng-Li knows the three children will be fine as long as they are a family.