This poignant story appears at first glance to be a young child’s early reader. It has a large format, with highly energetic and idiosyncratic drawings. Sometimes a full spread is devoted to a picture with no words. In fact the language level is quite complex... “blighted by an eerie moonlight”. The story is harrowing, though with a guardedly optimistic ending. It is part of the true story of Zhu Xiao-Mei, who is now an international concert pianist, but who was consigned to a re-education camp during Cultural Revolution.
This book would suit a younger advanced reader willing to struggle with unfamiliar words. In this case parents should be involved to work through the ideas behind the Cultural Revolution and the unkind treatment the girl receives. It would also be ideal for a parent and older primary student to share as a discussion starter about repression and individual freedom. Not surprisingly the book jacket refers to Amnesty International.
A powerful story, succinctly told.
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