NONFICTION

Born Naughty: My Childhood in China

Random/Anne Schwartz. May 2024. 112p. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780593563618.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2-4–While not quite the memoir of a wanton troublemaker, this is the tale of a real-life lovable scamp along the lines of Sara Pennypacker’s Clementine. With the help of Johnston, Wang gives her audience a sense of her family’s life in Inner Mongolia in the early 1980s, growing potatoes, awaiting the arrival of the local popcorn vendor, and celebrating the New Year. Young Jin—then known as Haiyan—is depicted in illustrations with a grin and two skyward-pointing pigtails, the kind of exuberant kid anyone would want to follow up a tree or join to see if an icy doorknob is as delicious as it looks. This is an approachable memoir for readers transitioning into chapter books, with episodic storytelling that honors a child’s viewpoint and avoids too much explanation. A long recovery from a possible rabies infection is presented with the same matter-of-fact tone as hunting for mushrooms after the rain. Some readers will need coaxing to consider picking up Born Naughty, as high stakes and drama are nearly nonexistent, save one scene in which Haiyan’s Ma fights off a thunderstorm. Back matter includes illuminating information on how the authors began their collaboration.
VERDICT Part Ramona Quimby, part Little House on the Prairie, this is a charming snapshot of one child’s lived experience in Inner Mongolia.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.
Sorry !!! Your comment is not submited properly Or you left some fields empty. Please check with your admin


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?