Status
Available
Collection
Publication
HarperCollins (2011), Edition: 1, 352 pages
Description
Four generations of Chinese and Chinese-American girls, beginning in 1835, are tied together by the tradition of raising silkworms and the legacy of the legendary Weaving Maid.
Local notes
Horn Book Guide, 03/31/2012
In 1835, hard-working Swallow, with her mother and sister Lily, raises silkworms. In 1881, Lily's granddaughter learns of the great-aunt (Swallow) who sold herself into slavery so her family could survive. As the story continues, each generation of women, silk workers all, sacrifices for the sake of family. It all comes together to build a coherent and affecting portrait.
In 1835, hard-working Swallow, with her mother and sister Lily, raises silkworms. In 1881, Lily's granddaughter learns of the great-aunt (Swallow) who sold herself into slavery so her family could survive. As the story continues, each generation of women, silk workers all, sacrifices for the sake of family. It all comes together to build a coherent and affecting portrait.
Awards
Commonwealth Club of California Book Awards (Finalist — Young Adult — 2011)
Triple Crown Awards (Nominee — 2014)
The Best Children's Books of the Year (Nine to Twelve — 2012)
Lexile
830L