* Readers should remain rapt by Compestine's storytelling throughout this gripping account of life during China's Cultural Revolution. -- Publishers Weekly, Starred Review Laced in all the right places with humor, fury, fear, resolve and eventual relief, her childlike voice is carefully maintained over the sweep of four years--candid and credible, naive and nuanced. -- San Francisco Chronicle This child's-eye view of the Chinese Cultural Revolution is ultimately a tale of survival; lyrical yet gripping, accessible and memorable, it's based on the author's experiences. Certain to inspire discussion about freedom and justice. -- Kirkus Reviews Authentic. . . . This semi-autobiographical novel comes alive with the author's rich descriptions of the sights and smells of China at the beginning of the Cultural Revolution. -- School Library Journal In clipped lyrical sentences, Compestine's first-person narrative sets a naive child's struggle to survive against betrayal and cour

Ying Chang Compestine was born and raised in China. She is a national authority on Chinese cuisine and culture and the author of three cookbooks for adults and eight picture books for children. She lives in California with her family. This is her first novel.