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376 pp.
| Little
| February, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-02505-8$16.99
(4)
YA
Despite having a model's figure and a hottie boyfriend, Terra's large port-wine-stain birthmark and her verbally abusive father cause her constant insecurity. After meeting Jacob, a Chinese American goth guy, everything changes. With their mothers, they travel to China, each returning with a new sense of identity and self-worth. Terra's journey is engaging, but overdone symbolism may distract readers from it.
339 pp.
| Little
| January, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-01130-3$16.99
(4)
YA
Syrah, who loves snowboarding and graphic novels, feels alienated from her ultra-rich Chinese American family. Initially readers may balk--justifiably--at her poor-little-rich-girl laments. Eventually, however, with her new understanding of China's Cultural Revolution, the unexpected support of her much older half sister, and the decision to use her clout to help others, Syrah becomes a more sympathetic character.