Yep, Laurence. Tongues of Jade. New York, NY : HarperCollins, 1991.
Plot: Yep's collection of Chinese folktales at the time of the Gold Rush reflect the ideals, fears, and expectations of immigrants missing their much-loved homeland. Many, such as "Green Magic" focus on familial bonds and personal talents. Others, like "Fish Heads" and "The Little Emperor" caution the immigrants against forgetting their manners and proper behavior while visiting the Golden Mountain. However, even good intentions can lead to unintended results, as tales about professors, kittens, and beggars reveal. A few stories, particularly those including ghosts or monsters, seem to only provide entertainment, but often hide deeper meaning to the careful reader. Overall, the title offers a glimpse of Chinese systems transitioning to Chinese-American culture.
Genre: Folktales, Fairy Tales
Reading Level: Grades 4-9
Similar Titles: The Rainbow People, Mightier than the Sword, The Seven Chinese Brothers
Personal Thoughts: The text provides an intriguing sequel to The Rainbow People. Much like the previous title, the book presents timeless stories in a timeless fashion by avoiding slang, excessively-elaborate diction (see what I did there), and watercolor illustrations. Additionally, the stories play on consistantly relevant themes, such as courage, generosity, bravery, and faithfulness.
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