The Library of Legends by Janie Chang

The Library of Legends is a slow book that builds up to an amazing story. I appreciate how the author tied up two stories, the one placed in China, in the 1930s when Japan invaded China, and a legend of a star who fell in love with a prince. It's a great story and listening to the audiobook is worth a go. Enjoy.

This Time It's Real by Ann Liang

At first I thought the main character was rather shallow but she did warm up quickly. I thought the story was alright and fine. I also listed to the audiobook. I ended up liking the story after all. I would read more by Ann Liang in the future. Okay for school libraries.

Last Violent Call by Chloe Gong

This novel contiues the story from Foul Lady Fortune. The voice actor for the audio book did a great job covering the different voices to bring this novel to life. We go back to the 1930s to China. Lots was going on at that time and the book does a great job blending in history with a great mysterious story line. A young couple from opposite sides of two gangs fake their death and move to the country. There they get involved in a series of girls who kill themselves. The young couple work to save the next victim's life and solve the mystery of who is responsible for the violence and why. It's a good read. Enjoy.

Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong

I enjoyed the audio book version of this. It's a good story line with the voice actor who brings it to life reading it aloud. It's set in the 1920s and 30s China. There is a lot of back story of what was going on in China at the time. Communism, imperialism and the Japanese occupying China. Then you have two set of spies that are also siblings on oppsite sides of politics. A scientist is involved in randomly killing people with some sort of injection. This book has it all and is an enjoyable read. Rosalind is our star of the book and you will get to love her and the people around her. THe banter between her and her love interest is a fun snappy and playful interaction as it moves from working together to caring for each other. It's a good read. Enjoy.

Flying Paintings by Alznauer, Zhou & Zhou

 A very dynamic book to add to library shelves.  History and Art blended together to tell the brothers' stories.  A good book to use in world history when talking about China, when they changed to a very strict communism.  

When We Were Young & Brave by Hazel Gaynor

 So well written.  Need a hanky just in case.  Told by different perspectives, teachers and students.  A good read.

In The Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Betty Bao Lord

 I loved this book.  It reminded me when I taught English as a Second Language.  Especially when the students were playing baseball and Shirley hears Run Home and she starts to end back to her apartment. Something similar happened when I was covering PE.  It's a coming of age story that is endearing.  Enjoy.

The Joy Luck Club By Amy Tan

This is now a long classic book taught in high school.  I had seen the movie years ago and just finished the audio book.  Loaded with conflict, secrets, hope and over all love.  A good story to enjoy, learn and understand culture and families.  
 

Little White Duck by Nau Liu

 Here is a  link that will help if you use this in your classroom/library:

In The Classroom

A good read.

Someday We Will Fly by Rachel DeWoskin

 Add this one to your library.  There are some mature episodes but it's handled well.  This book/story still haunts me and I read it a few months ago.  Imagine fleeing your home with the clothes on your back.  Landing in a foreign land with a way different culture.  And your mother is probably in a Nazi camp.  It's a good read.  

Peony in Love by Lisa See

A fine piece of writing and bring the past alive.  Women in this century are about sacrificing for the the men.  That they don't have their own identity.  Peony is the 16 year old daughter of a well to do family.  Journey with her as she goes from full of life, to how literature changes her and follow her in death as she watches her family and love continue on.  A brilliant piece of literature.  I would say for adults. 

Revolution is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine

Go back in time to the 1970s and learn about how  life was like in China when Chairman Mao took over China.  Experience what life was like when a country was turned upside down.  History comes alive when we read books like this.  Add this to your library.

PAPER Son by Leung & Sasaki

Beautiful images illustrate the life of this talented artist.  It's a good picture book that brings history, culture and art all together.  Enjoy.

The Magnolia Sword by Sherry Thomas

It's a good story of the legend of Mulan.  I am going to get for my high school library.  Audio book also very good also.  Enjoy.

Factory Girl by Josanne La Valley

This book will haunt me for a very long time.  It's based on true events set in a fictional account.  This story is a must for everyone to read about how girls are endangered and abused in China because they are from a minority culture.  They are basically slaves and trapped with no freedom what so ever.  Overworked and not even paid.  In fact they are charged for everything.  THIS STORY WILL STAY WITH YOU.  A must read. I'm adding this to my library.

The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning

Oh my goodness.  A well crafted story for adults to enjoy.  So many elements of tragedy, happiness, love, lies and betrayal make this  a powerful story.  Bringing history alive across two continents, the 1930's and 40's will bring a deeper understanding of what people had gone through.  It's a great story.
Two different time frames that tie in at the very end.  It's a brilliant story.

The Moon Lady by Amy Tan

Jewel toned colors high light this charming grandmother's story.  It's fine for any school library.  Enjoy

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

It's a powerful and moving story.  Reflective of the history of the time.  It's about family and being yourself and a clash of the old ways and the new modern ways.  It's a mother's sacrifice for her daughters.  There is violence and pain but there is a special bond that will always make these two women strong because they are sisters. A must for any library.

Finding Gobi: The Amazing True Story by Dion Leonard

I love a good dog story and I love travel and I love journeys.  This is a great book for elementary and middle school libraries.  The reunion of dog and man after a hard journey makes you want to hug your dog/pet and let them know how much we appreciate our furry friends.