In these opening chapters of The Secret Battle of Evan Pao, the novel explores themes of The Struggle to Find Identity and Belonging When You’re Different and How Prejudice Hurts People and Communities. As Evan and his family try to start fresh in the small town of Haddington, Virginia, their experiences reflect the difficulties of assimilation and the subtle yet pervasive nature of prejudice. These chapters illuminate how societal expectations, family dynamics, and individual identity intersect in Evan’s journey of self-discovery.

The Paos’ relocation to Haddington, following the scandal involving Evan’s father, highlights How Family Dynamics and Legacy Affect Relationships and how past actions shape one’s future. Evan’s father’s deception has left him with a tarnished family reputation that complicates his attempts to belong in their new community. For example, when Martha Hoover, a well-meaning but uninformed real estate agent, introduces the family to their new home, their interactions expose the discomfort and curiosity surrounding their identity. Martha’s disappointment that the Paos do not display aspects of their culture, such as speaking Chinese or taking off their shoes, betrays an underlying assumption that the family’s identity is exotic or different. Despite her claim that these ideas are not prejudiced, Martha’s behavior reveals how societal expectations often reduce people to stereotypes, failing to recognize their individuality. These subtle forms of prejudice create tension for the family, constantly reminding them that they are different from the white residents of Haddington, even when no overt hostility is directed at them.

The feeling of not belonging intensifies as Evan navigates his new school. He is the only Asian student at Battlefield Middle School, and his status as an outsider is made more acute by the school’s history of Civil War reenactments, a cultural heritage to which he has no connection. Mrs. Norwood’s assignment to bring in family heirlooms related to the Civil War further alienates Evan, as his family, having immigrated to the United States in the late 1900s, has no such items to contribute. The pressure to conform to the town’s traditions and expectations forces Evan to confront his identity in a place where he feels invisible and disconnected. Even Mrs. Norwood tries to minimize his involvement in Battlefield Day because, “It’s just that Battlefield Day has a certain look, and I thought, um, that it might be more comfortable for you to have a, um, behind-the-scenes role” (46). Evan’s reaction to this exclusion illustrates the internal conflict many children of immigrants face when trying to balance their cultural heritage with the need to fit into a new, often unwelcoming, environment. In contrast, the students who share their heirlooms and talk about their ancestors seem to reinforce a sense of belonging based on shared history—something Evan is sorely lacking. His embarrassment at not having anything to contribute shows the weight of these cultural expectations, highlighting the difficulties of being an outsider in a community that values tradition over diversity.

Max Baldwin, Evan’s first potential friend, also navigates the tension between inclusion and exclusion in these chapters. Max’s attempt to include Evan in conversations and activities, such as explaining the Civil War and inviting him to play baseball, initially shows promise. However, the racial prejudices embedded in the town are evident when Brady Griggs mocks Evan with racist comments, calling the coronavirus the “China virus” and questioning Evan’s ability to participate in the Civil War reenactment. Max’s discomfort with Brady’s behavior reveals his own internal conflict. Although Max wants to be Evan’s friend, Brady’s hostility and the broader culture of the town still influence him, which sometimes alienates Evan despite his attempts to fit in. Max’s efforts to include Evan are undermined by the subtle prejudice that permeates their interactions. This prejudice demonstrates how difficult it is to truly belong when others continue to treat a person as “other,” demonstrating how one’s search for identity is made more difficult by other’s lack of empathy.

The dynamic between Brady and Evan in these chapters also exemplifies how prejudice can manifest in overt ways. Brady’s taunts, particularly the mock karate chops and racist jokes, reflect the kind of hostility that many children of immigrants face in predominantly white schools. Though initially affected by Brady’s attacks, Evan handles them with a calmness that contrasts with his earlier sensitivity. His response—deflecting Brady’s provocations with rational, calm replies—shows growth and a deeper understanding of how others perceive him. However, despite his emotional maturity, Evan struggles with being judged based on his race: 

At his old school, the students had been a mix of white, Black, Asian, Latino, and Middle Eastern. In his class, he was the only student who wasn’t white. […] When he thought of it, it made him feel weirdly aware of his skin, as if it were a shell separate from his own being (42). 

The contrast between Evan’s growing self-awareness and Brady’s stubborn racism highlights the broader theme of identity formation. Evan must reconcile who he is with how others perceive him, a struggle compounded by the weight of his father’s actions and the community’s disapproval.

The theme of identity and belonging takes on a more personal tone as Evan spends time with Max at his house. Max’s proud display of family heirlooms and his eagerness to teach Evan about the Civil War further underscore Evan’s sense of exclusion. While Max’s intentions are kind, his repeated mentions of his father and family history exacerbate Evan’s alienation. Evan’s discomfort with the topic of family also reflects the internalized shame he feels about his own father’s actions. His father’s abandonment and betrayal have left a deep emotional scar, one that complicates Evan’s ability to relate to Max’s seemingly uncomplicated family dynamic. Max’s casual remarks about his family only serve to remind Evan of the gap between their lives and highlight the emotional distance that Evan struggles to bridge.

The Paos’ struggle to fit into a community defined by its past traditions reveals the complexities of assimilation and the emotional toll of being perceived as different. Through Evan’s journey, the novel explores how one’s sense of self is shaped not only by personal history but also by the broader societal forces that define who belongs and who does not. As Evan contemplates his place in a world that often sees him as an outsider, he must navigate the intricacies of family legacy, societal expectations, and racial prejudice—each of which shapes his evolving sense of identity.