Threads

This poignant chapter book follows Clara, an American girl reeling from the death of her adopted sister, Lola. When Clara discovers a desperate note from Yuming, a Chinese girl trapped in a factory, she feels compelled to help. The story beautifully weaves together themes of grief, empathy, and social justice as Clara tries to convince her mourning parents to travel to China, while Yuming plans a daring escape. It's a powerful narrative about finding connection and hope across cultures, suitable for middle-grade readers exploring complex emotions and global issues.

To Whom It May Concern: Please, we need help! The day twelve-year-old Clara finds a desperate note in a purse in Bellman's department store, she is still reeling from the death of her adopted sister, Lola. By that day, thirteen-year-old Yuming has lost hope that the note she stashed in the purse will ever be found. She may be stuck sewing in the pale pink factory outside of Beijing forever. Clara grows more and more convinced that she was meant to find Yuming's note. Lola would have wanted her to do something about it. But how can Clara talk her parents, who are also in mourning, into going on a trip to China? Finally the time comes when Yuming weighs the options, measures the risk, and attempts a daring escape. The lives of two girls--one American, and one Chinese--intersect like two soaring kites in this story about loss, hope, and recovery.