by Na Liu and Andres Vera Martinez. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publishing Group, 2012
A collection of eight short stories based on the author's life, it tells the story of Da Qin-Big Piano- and her sister, Xiao Qin - Little Piano- and their lives in the city of Wuhan China at the time of Chairman Mao's death. It highlights: life in China in the late 1970's; Chinese culture; and how even the broadest governmental policies and cultural standards affect its individual citizens.
It addresses social studies themes such as: historical events; culture and cultural diversity; national and community institutions; the powers and challenges of governance; and citizenship and civic ideals and practices.
Grades 4-8