About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to ask big questions about justice, human rights, and how to maintain hope when faced with overwhelming circumstances. It is a powerful tool for children who feel like outsiders or those developing a social conscience. The story follows Suyin, a thirteen-year-old girl smuggled from China to New York City and forced into labor in a garment sweatshop. While the setting is gritty and realistic, the narrative is woven with threads of Chinese folklore and magical realism as Suyin discovers her destiny as the daughter of the Crane Queen. This blend of harsh reality and ancient myth allows parents to discuss difficult topics like modern slavery and immigration while still providing the emotional safety of a fantasy framework. It is best suited for ages 10 to 14 due to its mature themes of exploitation balanced by a message of profound resilience and the power of heritage.
