About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is beginning to realize that the world is more complex than a meritocracy and that hard work does not always equal immediate success. It is an essential choice for families looking to broaden a child's global perspective on labor, economic migration, and the harsh realities faced by peers in other parts of the world. The story follows Pan-pan and Shui-lian, two girls from rural China who migrate to the city with hopes of a better life, only to face exploitation and systemic barriers. It is a sobering but deeply moving portrait of resilience that provides a stark look at modern China. While the subject matter is heavy, the central theme of a life-saving friendship makes it appropriate for mature readers aged 12 and up who are ready for realistic, non-sanitized narratives about the human condition.
