Tofu Quilt

by Ching Yeung Russell Narrated by Jennifer Aquino

Overview

A collection of poems telling the story of Yeung Ying, a young girl in Hong Kong in the 1960s who, against the conventions of society and family members, aspires to become a writer



Growing up in Hong Kong in the 1960s, Yeung Ying is tired of hearing how important boys are. After all, she can write letters and recite poems as well as-even better than-her boy cousins.



Luckily, Yeung Ying's mother thinks "girls and boys are just the same." Despite protests from her husband's family, Ma uses what little money the family has to send her daughter to private school. There Yeung Ying begins to fall in love with books and writing. Combining this new passion with the colorful experiences of her daily life, Yeung Ying discovers that even girls can dare to dream.



In her first collection of poems, Ching Yeung Russell captures elements of her youth in rich, vivid snapshots and authentic detail. Listeners of all backgrounds will relate to spirited Yeung Ying, her dynamic family, and her courage in the face of life's obstacles.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 4–6—This collection of free-verse poems is based on Russell's childhood and her journey to becoming an author. Yeung Ying leaves Hong Kong to spend the summer with her Uncle Five and his children in mainland China. When she recites classical Chinese poems for him, he rewards her with a special treat—a bowl of custard known as dan lai. She loves this treat so much that she vows to be a good student and become a writer. In 1960s China, many girls do not get the chance to have the education she receives, but she has financial support from her uncle, who appreciates her intelligence and determination, and her mother stands up for her right to an education. The story is revealed through Russell's tender poems that beautifully describe Yeung Ying's surroundings, her home life, her family, and her inner thoughts. The poems are simple, yet filled with images and language that create an atmosphere that brings the child's early years to light. Aspiring young authors will be encouraged and inspired by this patchwork of poetry.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Kirkus Reviews

In bright, quick free-verse snapshots, Russell highlights her childhood path to writing. At five, Ying visits relatives in Mainland China and effortlessly memorizes classical poems better than her older cousins, earning a life-changing reward: dan lai. "[I]t looks like a big, round moon / has fallen into my bowl," and after eating it, she refrains from brushing her teeth to savor the taste forever. But it's expensive, and the town where it's a specialty is too far from Hong Kong. Ying hears everywhere that boys are better than girls, but Ma sends her to private school even at the cost of grocery money. Maternal support, the praise of a few teachers (others mock her) and a cousin's crucial declaration that "[d]an lai is made from milk. / Milk is protein, and / protein will strengthen your brain," convince Ying that she can and must become a writer-for the excuse of requiring "MORE dan lai!" It's clear that she truly loves writing anyway, but dan lai provides the sensory thread of this sweet, clear tale, which ends with two victories. Full-color illustrations not seen. (author's note, glossary) (Memoir/poetry. 9-12)

From the Publisher

"[A] sweet, clear tale" — Kirkus Reviews

"The poems are simple, yet filled with images and language that create an atmosphere that brings the child's early years to light. Aspiring young authors will be encouraged and inspired by this patchwork of poetry." — School Library Journal

"Readers will come away with a strong sense of both an individual and a culture, and they'll appreciate the importance that small, daily details hold in Yeung Ying's life." — Booklist

Notable Books for a Global Society, International Literacy Association (ILA)
Notable Books in the Language Arts, National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
Asian/Pacific American Award Honor for Literature, Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)
Children's Crown Gallery Award Nominee, National Christian School Association
Oprah's Book Club Kids' Reading List, Oprah's Book Club/ALA
Red Dot Book Award Shortlist, International School Libraries Network, Singapore
Sakura Medal Award Nomination, The American School in Japan

Charlotte Award Nominee, New York State Reading Association
Garden State Teen Book Awards Nominee, New Jersey Library Association
Prairie Pasque Nominee, South Dakota State Library
Rhode Island Children's Book Award Reading List, Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services
Suggested Reading List, New York State Reading Association

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159581532
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	12/26/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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