Shanghai Messenger

A girl discovers her roots and family ties in Shanghai.

3.6/5 Goodreads · 55 ratings

40 pages

$10.95Save 4%

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Bookroo's summary

Eleven-year-old Xiao Mei embarks on a journey to Shanghai, where she confronts her biracial identity and the challenge of acceptance by her Chinese relatives. Amidst the vibrant city life, she battles homesickness and uncovers a newfound appreciation for her heritage. As she navigates family dynamics and cultural discoveries, Xiao Mei learns to embrace her dual identity. Will she manage to bring a piece of China back home? This lyrical tale of adventure and self-discovery explores the bonds that connect us across continents and cultures.

From the publisher

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature - Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)A story in verse of a biracial Chinese American girl’s journey to self-discovery and love of family as she visits her extended family in Shanghai, China. For middle grade readers.”You are my messenger. Look everything. Remember.” Grandma Nai Nai tells eleven-year-old Xiao Mei as the girl heads off to Shanghai, China, to visit their extended family. Xiao Mei is both excited and apprehensive. She will meet many new relatives, but will they accept her, a girl from America who is only half Chinese? Xiao Mei is eagerly embraced by her aunties, uncles and cousins and quickly immersed in the sights, smells and hubbub of daily living in Shanghai. At first battling homesickness, Xiao Mei soon ventures on her own, discovering the excitement of a different way of life and a new appreciation of her Chinese heritage. When it is finally time to leave, Xiao Mei must gather up her memories and bring “a little bit of China” back home. Ed Young’s exquisite drawings touchingly highlight Andrea Cheng’s lyrical story of adventure, self-discovery, and the strong bonds that tie families together.

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