About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to ask questions about how people survive unfair treatment during times of crisis. It is an excellent choice for navigating conversations about historical racism and the strength found in sibling bonds during frightening transitions. The story follows twelve year old Lily and her brother as they navigate the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake while facing the dual threats of a burning city and rising anti Chinese sentiment. While the setting is intense, the narrative focuses on Lily's growing bravery and her commitment to her family. It offers a realistic but age appropriate look at systemic injustice without losing the thread of hope. Parents will appreciate the educational backmatter that provides historical context for the earthquake and the discriminatory laws of the era, making it a perfect bridge between historical facts and emotional empathy.
