Families who loved Dragonfly Eyes by Cao Wenxuan often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to ask deep questions about why some people are treated differently because of their heritage, or when they are navigating the complexities of a multicultural identity. Dragonfly Eyes is a sweeping, multi-generational saga centered on the bond between young Ah-Mei and her French grandmother, Nainai, living in 20th-century China. As they face the hardships of the Cultural Revolution and the loss of their family wealth, the story highlights their shared physical features and the resilience required to withstand prejudice and political upheaval. It is a sophisticated, emotionally resonant choice for mature middle-grade readers that explores the endurance of love through profound social change.