The book was written for younger kids and tells a story of hard life and a friendship. My granddaughter liked this book, and it taught her that many kids have a very rough life. It is a good story and I recommend that you go buy it for your kids to read. ( )

During China’s Cultural Revolution, Sunflower is sent with her father to the countryside. When her father dies, Sunflower goes to live with Bronze’s impoverished village family. A universal tale of friendship and endurance. Includes Historical Note, Author’s Note.

"Bronze and Sunflower" by Cao Wenxuan presents an image of China that is rarely seen in literature, whether fiction or nonfiction. It illustrates a poor but honest family as they suffer to send their adopted daughter to school in rural China.

The story takes place during the Cultural Revolution, although this event is only relevant at the beginning of the story when Sunflower's father, a city artist "sent down" to the farms, passes away. What follows is a very intimate and naturalistic view of life. Sunflower and her stepbrother Bronze become inseparable friends, passing time mostly in the fields and rice paddies, trying to help their family. Readers get images of school, rural life, and unfortunate disasters. Readers meet several characters in the book, including their matriarch grandmother, a snobby family in the village, and even the family's buffalo, which is a character unto itself. There are many lovely descriptions about natural history, farming practices, and village life.

Most current literature about the Cultural Revolution is in the form of memoirs from city people who were "sent down." This is one of the only books to focus on rural people in China, those who make up the overwhelming majority of the country. In that sense, the book is somewhat apolitical. I don't believe there is any mention of the Communist Party, unlike in other books, and there is very little mention of any political machinery or hierarchies.

The book flows easily. It is written for younger readers, perhaps middle school students, but it has had a good impression on me. The translator, Helen Wang, has done a fabulous job and deserves tremendous credit. Ultimately, we have a powerful story about rural life and family. ( )

BRONZE AND SUNFLOWER by Cao Wenxuan is tells a timeless story of tragedy and friendship during China’s Cultural Revolution.
Beautifully translated from Chinese, this story of rural Chinese life follows two children who overcome hardship to form a deep friendship. When Sunflower becomes an orphan, she’s taken in by the poorest family in the village. Her new brother Bronze has been traumatized and doesn’t speak. Despite their shared tragedies, a deep friendship blooms reflecting the power of family. The book concludes with an historical note and author’s note.
Librarians will find this quiet, middle grade book appealing to children who enjoy historical fiction, Asian literature, and stories of friendship set in rural settings.
Published by Candlewick on March 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher. ( )