I really enjoyed this book because it showed the Chinese Cultural Revolution through the eyes of a girl my age, Ji-li Jiang. Ji-li's grandfather had been a landlord, so other Chinese people look down upon Ji-li and her family. Because of her family's background, Ji-li is not permitted to go to the high school she has always dreamed of or be part of the revolutionary groups at her school. Some people even think Ji-li should change her name and break all ties with her family, but Ji-li remains loyal to her family. I would recommend this book to my friends. KVD 6/18/08