Book review
Shirley Temple Wong, or Sixth Cousin (or ‘Bandit’), as she is known among her tight-knit clan, emigrates from China with her mother to join her father, an engineer, in Brooklyn, New York in 1947 (or The Year of the Boar on the Chinese calendar). As Shirley tries to adjust to a whole new way of life, she craves friendship and a feeling of belonging. And in an unconventional way, she finds both–along with an introduction to America’s favorite pasttime and Jackie Robinson, a player who changed so many things for the better. The American Dream doesn’t seem quite so elusive as Shirley grows and comes to understand all the possibilities that lie before her. She also comes to see that the honor and connection that come from her heritage enhance her and make her who she is.
Another wonderful gift from my mother when I was younger. As other reviewers have mentioned, the story exposes children to what it is like to move from another country to America, but also to a period of time when America was still trying to figure out how so-called ‘minorities’ should be treated. The subject is dealt with mildly and respectfully, giving us enough of a taste of things without shocking or offending. Interestingly, the closest the text comes to insults comes from several children of varying backgrounds and an African-American girl trying to prove to them how silly they’re being. And because the story is set in Brooklyn, the characters tend to be more accepting of other cultures and nationalities. Nothing offensive. An absolutely beautifully – written story, and one of my most favorites! Advanced/older elementary readers and up.
- Goodreads rating – 3.87
- REVIEW – Mommywest