Tofu Quilt

By Ching Yeung Russell
Paperback: $13.95

A collection of poems telling the story of Yeung Ying, a young girl in Hong Kong in the 1960s who, against the conventions of society and family members, aspires to become a writer

Audiobook Edition

Description

Growing up in Hong Kong in the 1960s, Yeung Ying is tired of hearing how important boys are. After all, she can write letters and recite poems as well as–even better than–her boy cousins.

Luckily, Yeung Ying’s mother thinks “girls and boys are just the same.” Despite protests from her husband’s family, Ma uses what little money the family has to send her daughter to private school. There Yeung Ying begins to fall in love with books and writing. Combining this new passion with the colorful experiences of her daily life, Yeung Ying discovers that even girls can dare to dream.

In her first collection of poems, Ching Yeung Russell captures elements of her youth in rich, vivid snapshots and authentic detail. Readers of all backgrounds will relate to spirited Yeung Ying, her dynamic family, and her courage in the face of life’s obstacles.

About the Creators

Ching Yeung Russell

Ching Russell grew up in mainland China and Hong Kong. She began writing letters for her relatives at the age of eight and was inspired to become a writer by her desire to eat more dan lai (milk custard)—a special treat she was once rewarded with for reciting classical Chinese poetry. Russell is the author of a series of middle grade novels beginning with First Apple, winner of a Parents’ Choice Award and the New York State Reading Association’s Charlotte Award. She often travels in the United States and abroad to share her books with students. Russell lives in South Carolina with her husband, a social worker and avid photographer. They have two grown sons. Her website is chingyeung.homestead.com.

Awards

  • Notable Books for a Global Society

    International Literacy Association (ILA)

  • Notable Books in the Language Arts

    National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)

  • Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature

    Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)

  • Best Children's Books of the Year Outstanding

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Charlotte Awards Nominee

    New York State Reading Association

  • Triple Crown Awards Nominee

    National Christian School Association

  • Oprah's Book Club Kids' Reading List

    Oprah's Book Club

  • Garden State Teen Book Awards Nominee

    New Jersey Library Association

  • Prairie Pasque Children's Book Award Nominee

    South Dakota Library Association

  • Celebrate with Books

    Cleveland Public Library

  • Rhode Island Children's Book Award Shortlist

    Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services

Reviews

  • "[A] sweet, clear tale"

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "The poems are simple, yet filled with images and language that create an atmosphere that brings the child's early years to light. Aspiring young authors will be encouraged and inspired by this patchwork of poetry."

    - School Library Journal
  • "Readers will come away with a strong sense of both an individual and a culture, and they'll appreciate the importance that small, daily details hold in Yeung Ying's life."

    - Booklist

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620143544
  • Publication Date Oct 01, 2009
  • Trim Size 8 × 5.75 in
  • Weight 0.375 lbs
  • Page Count 136
  • Word Count 44
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600604232
  • Publication Date Oct 01, 2009
  • Trim Size 8 × 5.75 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 136
  • Word Count 7018
  • Interests

  • Audience Middle Grade
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Poetry / General
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Women
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / People & Places / Asia
  • Themes Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Biography / Memoir, Breaking Gender Barriers, Bullying, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Courage, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Education, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Food, Grandparents, Gratitude, Home, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Integrity / Honesty, Middle Grade, Mothers, Nonfiction, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Poetry, Pride, Responsibility, Self Control / Self Regulation, YA interest
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 8 - 12
  • Grade Range Grades 3 - 7
  • Guided Reading T
  • ATOS Book Level 5
  • DRA 44
  • Interest Level Grades 3 - 6
  • Lexile Level 970
  • Reading Level Grades 4 - 5
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 28
      English Guided Reading Level T
      Collection of 28 books: $355.60

      1264 in stock

    • 202
      Fluent English
      Collection of 202 books: $2,450.80