Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine

Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine

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.

Ying Chang Compestine was born in Wuhan, China, and immigrated to the United States as a child. she was twenty-three years old. Growing up in China during the Cultural Revolution's lean years, Ying often fantasized about the kind of Chinese New Year depicted in this book. Ying enjoys writing, cooking, eating, and traveling in addition to interacting with her small son and his pals. As a result, she spends a lot of time creating children's stories and adult cookbooks. Her spouse and son reside with her in Boulder, Colorado.