The summer of 1972, before I turned nine, danger began knocking on
doors all over China.
Nine-year-old Ling has a very happy life. Her parents are both dedicated
surgeons at the best hospital in Wuhan, and her father teaches her
English as they listen to Voice of America every evening on the radio.
But when one of Mao's political officers moves into a room in their
apartment, Ling begins to witness the gradual disintegration of her
world. In an atmosphere of increasing mistrust and hatred, Ling fears
for the safety of her neighbors, and soon, for herself and her family.
For the next four years, Ling will suffer more horrors than many people
face in a lifetime. Will she be able to grow and blossom under the
oppressive rule of Chairman Mao? Or will fighting to survive destroy her
spirit--and end her life?
Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party is a 2008 Bank Street - Best
Children's Book of the Year.