Book details
Child of the Owl: Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1965
Description
Twelve-year-old Casey is waiting for the day that her father, Barney, hits it big with a successful horse race. But when he ends up in the hospital, Casey is sent to live with her grandmother, Paw-Paw, in Chinatown. Feeling lost and disconnected in this new environment, Casey struggles with missing her father and adjusting to Chinese school and the bustling crowds. As Paw-Paw shares stories about Casey's mother and their family's heritage, including an owl charm and Casey's true Chinese name, she begins to find a sense of belonging and realizes that Chinatown, her parents' home, is her home too.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
288 pages
Book in series
#7
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: 'Child of the Owl: Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1965' provides readers with a rich portrayal of Chinese-American culture and history, offering valuable insight into the experiences of immigrants and their descendants in the United States during the 1960s.
- Character Development: Laurence Yep crafts complex and relatable characters, particularly the protagonist Casey Young, whose journey of self-discovery and connection to her heritage is both compelling and enlightening for readers of all ages.
- Engaging Storytelling: Yep is known for his engaging narrative style that combines elements of folklore with contemporary issues, making 'Child of the Owl' a captivating read that seamlessly blends the past with the present.
- Themes of Identity and Belonging: The book explores universal themes of identity, belonging, and the search for one's place in the world. These themes resonate with readers who have ever grappled with understanding their own cultural background or who they are in the context of their family and society.