Mountain Girl River Girl

This powerful chapter book follows Pan-pan and Shui-lian, two teenage girls from rural China, as they leave their homes with aspirations of a brighter future in bustling cities like Beijing or Shanghai. The narrative offers a 'stark, authentic portrait' of modern China, as their initial dreams slowly transform into difficult realities. Through these challenges, the girls' paths cross, leading them to form a deep friendship and decide to confront their hardships together. It's a story of resilience, cultural exploration, and the enduring power of human connection, suitable for readers aged 9-13 who are ready for a realistic and emotionally resonant journey.