About This Book
Elizabeth Foreman Lewis's Newbery Medal-winning novel, Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze, transports readers to 1920s Chungking, China. It follows 13-year-old Young Fu, a country boy, as he moves to the bustling city with his widowed mother to begin an apprenticeship with a master coppersmith. The episodic narrative chronicles Fu's journey from an arrogant youth to a capable young man, encountering a diverse cast of characters including scholars, soldiers, thieves, and foreigners. While offering a rich historical and cultural backdrop of a turbulent China, it's important for parents to note that the book, written by a Western author, reflects a Western point of view, which some modern readers may perceive as having colonial overtones. It's an excellent choice for children aged 10-14 interested in historical fiction, cultural exploration, and coming-of-age stories.
In the 1920's a Chinese youth from the country comes to Chungking with his mother where the bustling city offers adventure and his apprenticeship to a coppersmith brings good fortune.
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Young Fu change from the beginning of the book to the end? What experiences contribute most to his growth?
2
What challenges does Young Fu face as a country boy in the big city? How does he overcome them?
3
The book shows many different aspects of Chinese life in the 1920s. What surprised you the most about the culture or daily life depicted?
4
Young Fu has several mentors, like Tang Yu-shu and Wang Scholar. How do they influence him, and what important lessons does he learn from them?
5
The story takes place during a time of political change and unrest in China. How do these larger historical events affect Young Fu's personal story?
6
What does this book teach us about perseverance, honesty, and friendship?
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