Tiger Daughter

Gr 5 Up–For Wen Zhou, a first-generation Chinese immigrant living in Australia, life is challenging. Her father, Jin, who chooses to work in a restaurant after failing to complete a top-level surgical exam, is angry and disappointed. He tries to shelter Wen and her mother, Mei Ling, by forbidding their contact with other members of the community, and both are afraid to defy him. At her local school, Wen finds little solace other than her friendship with Henry Xiao. Both are studying for entrance to a better school more suited to their educational needs. Henry is confident; Wen, not so much. Sadly, Henry’s mom dies by suicide, and in grief and humiliation, both he and his father retreat into their home. But Wen is determined to see that Henry keeps studying for the exam and, with the eventual help of her mother, they bring food and homework to his house daily. But can they keep it a secret from Jin? This book offers a fresh perspective on immigration in a setting outside of the United States. The author, an Asian Australian herself, creates the story and dialogue from a wealth of firsthand experience including rich detail on traditional Chinese cuisine and other customs. Young readers will enjoy the story’s satisfying conclusion and its reminder to work hard and never forget your dreams.