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  • Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine book cover
  • Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine book cover
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Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party

by Ying Chang Compestine

A child’s view of political upheaval in China

$13.38 USD
$22.30 USD $13.38 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Editorial selection

    2008 Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year

    Named a 2008 Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A child’s view of political upheaval in China

Set in Wuhan beginning in 1972, the novel places nine-year-old Ling’s family life against the political upheaval of Mao-era China. The arrival of a political officer in their apartment marks a shift from the security she has known to an atmosphere of suspicion and danger. As the story spans the next four years, Ling’s concerns widen from the safety of her neighbors to the fate of her own family. The historical setting is experienced through a child’s changing understanding of events, with family, fear, and survival shaping the central conflict.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Young readers interested in historical fiction set in China.
  • Readers looking for a story about a child and her family facing political upheaval.
  • Readers exploring themes of family, fear, and survival.

Themes

Mao-era ChinaPolitical upheavalFamilyFear and survival

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

The summer of 1972, before I turned nine, danger began knocking on doors all over China.

Nine-year-old Ling has a very happy life. Her parents are both dedicated surgeons at the best hospital in Wuhan, and her father teaches her English as they listen to Voice of America every evening on the radio. But when one of Mao's political officers moves into a room in their apartment, Ling begins to witness the gradual disintegration of her world. In an atmosphere of increasing mistrust and hatred, Ling fears for the safety of her neighbors, and soon, for herself and her family. For the next four years, Ling will suffer more horrors than many people face in a lifetime. Will she be able to grow and blossom under the oppressive rule of Chairman Mao? Or will fighting to survive destroy her spirit--and end her life?

Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

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