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Just finished this book with some of my 7th graders! It‘s been really interesting to see their ideas and opinions without really much background information or preconceived notions (good or bad) about China and/or communism. While my other kids finish When Stars Are Scattered, I‘m gonna give them articles/videos to watch on Chinese socialism and then have them reread certain chapters to see if having more context changes their thinking ðŸ˜�

A lovely and succinct memoir of childhood in Communist China. I found it illustrative to see the famine and poverty from the perspective of a parent relaying to a child, as well as pleasures of everyday life. The illustrations are pleasant, if at times veering toward cartoonish, and I would be interested to read more about the family, especially the paternal grandmother.

This is a graphic novel based on Na Liu‘s life growing up in China during the late 1970s. After having her daughter, she decided to put together the stories in this book. The illustrations are powerful, educational and beautiful. Yet, the stories although related feel disjointed. However, I think it‘s a good jumping point if you want to learn about a different culture.

A very fast, but poignant read. I love how much emphasis is put on the fact that the author had a very normal childhood, despite the huge historical, cultural, and political changes her country was facing at the time. A cool glimpse into Chinese culture and traditions, if you aren't at all familiar. Also, although her husband is named as the author (he's the illustrator) the story is, in fact, narrated by Na Liu.

I liked this graphic memoir about a few years of a childhood in China. My husband is from China and my MIL is visiting us from China for the summer, so this is of special interest to me. My only complaint is that I wished it was longer.