This autobiography illustrates one girl's life in Shanghai during the political upheavals of the 1940s and 1950s. When her very well-to-do father remarries, her life changes: she no longer feels cared for and the traditions in her life are altered. She moves to England and then to America, but her Chinese culture (obviously) continues to influence who she is, her relationships, and her life-view.
The book is very well written and interesting, showing all types of specifics about family/generational dynamics in China, the historical changes that the Revolution brought and how it affected "regular" individuals, as well as the clothing, food, and celebrations that occurred.
Because this book has a lot of psychological depth to it, it would be best for juniors or seniors in high school -- or even AP students.Sections of it could be read to 9th and 10th grade students, but it has a lot of mature content in it.
