We are nearing the end of the A to Z April Blog Challenge where my theme is Read Your World with Kid’s Books. Today’s letter is X which was the one I was most worried about. There are not many places that begin with the letter X and those that do don’t seem to have books set there. While going through an atlas, I found that China has quite a few cities that begin X. Then, I learned that the Terra Cotta Soldiers were found near Xian. And I found an amazing novel set around this part of China.
Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier
Written by Ying Chang Compestine and Vinson Compestine
Amulet Books
Grades 5-7
This historical adventure novel takes place in Communist China in 1974. Ming is a 13 year old student who has been exiled to the countryside during the Cultural Revolution with his father who is an ostracized intellectual. Ming’s father, Ba Ba, runs the local archaeological office and believes that ancient treasures are buried in the hills nearby. Because there have been no great discoveries, the government is ready to ship him off to a labor camp. When Ming’s father leaves to meet with officials, three farmers show up at their door with a broken statue. Ming convinces them to leave it and is soon dealing with a Terra-Cotta soldier that amazingly comes to life. Ming puts the soldier, named Shi, back together. Shi tells Ming about life in China under Emperor Qin who had the Great Wall built to protect China from the Mongol army. When the town’s political leader learns about the discovery of the Terra-Cotta soldiers, he attempts to sell the artifacts on the black market and blame Ming and his father. Shi and Ming forge an unlikely friendship and work together to protect the tomb with the aid of the Terra Cotta soldiers as Ming fights to preserve China’s cultural legacy.
The authors of this action packed adventure are a mother son team. Ying Chang Compestine grew up in China at the end of the Cultural Revolution. There are many similarities between the reign of Emperor and Mao who both stifled intellectual freedom and ruled with complete autonomy. A great deal of Chinese history is explained in a quick and fast-paced manner. The book includes many photographs of the Great Wall, the Terra-Cotta soldiers, and the countryside around Xian. This is a fascinating novel which makes two different eras in the history of China come to life. The book has a glossary, recipes, and author’s note explaining the historical background for the book.
Glad to see a book for kids about this amazing subject.
Hi Rosie, Yes this is a great way to get kids interested in an intriguing subject. See you tomorrow.
Thanks for sharing a month of great books that took us around the world and shared many genres with us. I look forward to learning more from you.
Hi Joan,
If you can’t get somewhere, the next best thing is reading about it. I have learned so much this month. Thanks for traveling along with me.
Excellent!
Hi Trine,
It is an excellant book – one I think jr. high kids would really enjoy.
Sounds like such an interesting read… thanks for sharing!
It is super interesting – a perfect combination of historical fiction, fantasy and adventure.
You did a great job! Letter X is a challenge for all of us. I gave it a twist mysefl. So kuddos to you for staying within the guidelines. China is fascinating and I’ve read many books for children (especially novels) set there. But I haven’t read the book you are introducing today. I think it’s an interesting fact that it has been written by a son and his mother.
See you tomorrow for the very last leg of our journey through the alphabet.
I hunted for a place that started with X and had a book set there. I hit the jackpot! Great book about an amazing find. Time for some zzzz’s
Certainly one of the most significant finds of our life time.
Stephen Tremp
A-Z Co-host
X is for Xenoglossy
http://www.stephentremp.com
Definitely. I visited North East China but now want to go back and see what I missed – especially the terra cotta soldiers.
I did see a sampling of them in a museum here years ago but I want to see them in China
This could be a great book to introduce that age group of kids to a different culture and way of life. Sounds interesting.
betty
I think it is interesting because it weaves facts in with adventure – similar to Indiana Jones. i think it will appeal to lots of kids.