This book is an autobiography and would appeal to all ages, teenagers in particular, as it relates to the struggles of a small girl growing up in China who was unwanted by her family. It is set in Tianjin, Shangai and Hong Kong in the 1940’s.

The character in the book, Adeline Yen Mah, is a disappointment to her family as she is born a girl. She is also considered bad luck after her mother died shortly after giving birth to her. Her farther re-married one year later and Adeline was brought up in a family of seven children. However, she was unwanted and treated differently to her other brothers and sisters. Her stepmother treated her badly whilst her younger step brother and sister were spoiled rotten.  Adeline is always striving to get recognition and to be loved by her father. But despite winning awards at school and always trying to do her very best she is ignored completely. Her Stepmother is vindictive and cruel and her father nearly always dismisses her and any achievements she attains. Only her grandfather and aunt offer her any love and kindness.

The story also shows how Adeline seems to live two different lives. One at home where she is completely ignored and teased and one at school where she is liked by the teachers and students and also admired for her academic achievements.

The author describes a pet duck she was given as a child and how protective she became of the duck. They shared a special bond and Adeline was so devastated when her father set the duck free in the garden for the family pet dog to kill. The book also describes what it was like to live in China during the time period and the difficulties the people had to face during the civil war in china. The author retells some of the close friendships she made at school and how her stepmother humiliated her in front of them. These recounts make the autobiography so real as children can relate to the friendships they make at new school.

This story is also quite sad but it also shows how you can overcome just about anything if you really want to.  It has a happy ending in a way, as Adeline’s father finally acknowledges his daughters’ academic ability and he finally allowed her to study at university in Oxford, England with her brother.

The book made me feel sad for the little girl but also angry that a family could treat their daughter so awfully. Although in the end it gave me hope to know that if just one person believes in you and if you tell yourself you can do something then that is half the battle won!

This book I think should be read by all high school students as it is a message that even in bad circumstances you can succeed if you really try.