Shanghai Messenger

“You are my messenger. Look everything. Remember,” Grandma Nai Nai tells eleven-year-old Xiao Mei as the girl heads off to Shanghai, China, to visit their extended family. Xiao Mei is both excited and apprehensive. She will meet many new relatives, but will they accept her, a girl from America who is only half Chinese? Xiao Mei is eagerly embraced by her aunties, uncles, and cousins and quickly immersed in the sights, smells, and hubbub of daily living in Shanghai. At first battling homesickness, Xiao Mei soon ventures out on her own, discovering the excitement of a different way of life and a new appreciation of her Chinese heritage. When it is finally time to leave, Xiao Mei must gather up her memories and bring “a little bit of China” back home. Ed Young’s exquisite drawings touchingly highlight Andrea Cheng’s lyrical story of adventure, self-discovery, and the strong bonds that tie families together.

ANDREA CHENG is the author of several critically-acclaimed books for young readers, Shanghai Messenger was inspired by a trip to China to see her husband’s family as well as her memories of a solo childhood visit to relatives in Hungary. Cheng and her family live in Cincinnati, Ohio. ‧ Grandfather Counts, illustrated by Ange Zhang (Lee & Low, 2000, $16.95 hardcover, ISBN 1584300108; $6.95 paperback, ISBN 1584301589)); 26,500 copies in print in hardcover and paperback.‧ Marika (Front Street, 2002, $16.95, ISBN 1886910782) Young Adult novel.‧ Anna the Bookbinder, illustrated by Ted Rand (Walker, 2003, $16.95, ISBN 080278831).‧ Goldfish and Chrysanthemums, illustrated by Michelle Chang (Lee & Low, 2003, $16.95, ISBN 1584300574); 6,000 copies in print.‧ The Key Collection, illustrated by Yangsook Choi (Holt, 2003, $15.95, ISBN 0805071539) Early reader/chapter book.‧ Honeysuckle House (Front Street, 2004, $16.95, ISBN 1886910995). Young Adult novel.