Ming's Christmas Wishes

By Susan L. Gong, Masahiro Tateishi (Illustrator)

A young girl seeks belonging between two worlds during a Christmas adventure.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 201 ratings

48 pages

$18.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In 1930s California, Ming, a daughter of immigrants, feels caught between two worlds. Denied a spot in the school choir and scolded for wanting a Christmas tree, she struggles to belong. Her father takes her on a mountain journey, promising more than just a tree. Will Ming find her place and embrace her heritage? Discover the strength she draws from nature and family in this heartwarming tale.

From the publisher

Ming wishes for three things at Christmas. First, to sing in the school Christmas choir. Second, to have a Christmas tree like the one in the department store window. And third, to feel she belongs somewhere. As a daughter of immigrants in 1930s California, Ming is often treated differently than other children at school. She’s pointedly not invited to sing in the Christmas choir. At home, when Ming lobbies her parents for a Christmas tree, her mother scolds her for trying to be American. Ming doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere: she’s not quite American enough at school, not quite Chinese enough at home. Seeing his daughter’s unhappiness, Pop takes her into the mountains to visit a wise old friend. Always happy for an adventure with her kind father, Ming hopes to persuade Pop to bring home a mountain pine to be their Christmas tree. But he has something else in mind, something that will help Ming draw strength from nature, from their Chinese heritage, and from deep and enduring family ties. Inspired by family stories.

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