
By Jean Fritz
Part of the Puffin Modern Classics series
A girl navigates childhood in politically turbulent China, far from home.
In a land far from home, young Jean faces the challenges of growing up amidst China's political unrest. While her peers enjoy carefree days in America, she navigates a world filled with uncertainty and discovery. Her story, rich with humor and insight, reveals the timeless resilience of a child adapting to an unfamiliar place. What truths will she uncover in this vibrant, tumultuous setting?
A Newbery Honor book! Jean Fritz’s award-winning account of her life in China, and to honor this story, it is only fitting that it be added to our prestigious line of Puffin Modern Classics. This fictionalized autobiography tells the heartwarming story of a little girl growing up in an unfamiliar place. While other girls her age were enjoying their childhood in America, Jean Fritz was in China in the midst of political unrest. Jean Fritz tells her captivating story of the difficulties of living in a unfamiliar country at such a difficult time. A remarkable blend of truth and storytelling. –Booklist, starred review An insightful memory’s-eye-view of her childhood . . . Young Jean is a strong character, and many of her reactions to people and events are timeless and universal. –School Library Journal, starred review Told with an abundance of humor–sometimes wry, sometimes mischievous and irreverent–the story is vibrant with atmosphere, personalities, and a palpable sense of place. –The Horn Book Every now and then a book comes along that makes me want to send a valentine to its author. Homesick is such a book . . . Pungent and delicious. –Katherine Paterson, The Washington Post
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