Paper Son

Written by Helen Foster James and Virginia Shin-Mui Loh · Illustrated by Wilson Ong

Part of the Tales of Young Americans series

A boy's future hinges on passing a test to become a 'paper son' in America.

4.0 Goodreads · 221 ratings

32 pages· 2,700 words· Est. 21 min read-aloud· AD590L

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1926, young Fu Lee faces a daunting journey from his Chinese village to America. As a 'paper son,' he must convincingly assume a new identity to pass the test at Angel Island Immigration Station. The stakes are high; one mistake could send him back to China, dashing his grandparents' hopes for a better life. Will Lee's courage and determination be enough to secure his future in a foreign land, or will the weight of his secret prove too great? Discover the challenges and choices that define his path.

From the publisher

In 1926, 12-year-old Fu Lee lives with his grandparents in a small village in China. He lives with his grandparents because his parents are dead. It is a difficult life but made easier by the love Lee shares with his grandparents. But now Lee must leave all that he knows. Before his parents died, they spent all of their money buying a “paper son slot” for Lee to go to America. Being a “paper son” means pretending to be the son of a family already in America. If he goes, he will have the chance for a better life. But first he must pass the test at Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco. Only then will he be allowed to live with his new family. If Lee makes even a single mistake, he could be sent back to China. Lee knows his grandparents want a better life for him. He can’t let them down.

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