Yes, No, Maybe So: Yes definitely
Stars: 5
Age group: grades 5 and up
It's funny how I found this book. I didn't look for it. I didn't notice it on a shelf. I didn't recognize the author. I found this book because I was talking to a librarian and she said that the book hadn't been taken out in over two years. It was a brand new copy. I agreed to try it, partly because I felt bad for the book. Partly because I can't resist a shiny new cover.
I wasn't disappointed. This book was PHENOMANAL! I read it in one 4-hour sitting. It focuses on a girl from an unrespected family during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Maybe you have no idea what that is, but neither did I, and I still enjoyed the book. it turns out that this was the time of the Communist movement. The book describes the cruelties and unfairness of the system. She is punished and punished and punished all because her grandfather who died before she was born was a wealthy landlord. Because of her roots she must either endure this terrible treatment, or disown her family. Once a proud, intelligent, little girl with a passion to serve her country, she must decide whether she values family or her country.
