There’s excitement in the air as students from 4th grade through 8th grade have been familiarizing themselves with the work of acclaimed author Ji-li Jiang; her most famous book being Red Scarf Girl.

Her visit is timely with 5th grade getting ready to begin their Memoir Unit in Writer’s Workshop. Fourth grade will also make the most of Ji-in’s time here as they are studying trade in their Social Studies unit, and have been talking a lot about China’s rich resources and their role in world wide trade. Ji-li will be able to talk about her experiences here growing up in China through the Cultural Revolution, the changes she has seen over the years as well as her books; Red Scarf Girl with 5th grade, and The Magical Monkey King: Mischief in Heaven with the 4th grade. I was thrilled to hear Ms. Stella discussing this book with the fourth grade this week; so many of them grew up with stories of the monkey king or have learned about him in their Mandarin classes, and were certainly more knowledgable then me.

Ms. Jiang will also be presenting at many other schools in Shanghai, as well as at the Puxi campus. I really thought this review from her website summed up how we will feel after her visit.

“… Ji-li Jiang’s story appeals to the 10-14 year old student for several reasons. Her experience during the Chinese Cultural Revolution took place when she was their age; Ji-li’s story directly relates to the adolescent world centered on school, peer relationships, family, self-esteem and self-actualization. Survival of the individual and a family’s display of courage are evident throughout her tale of a terrifying chapter in Chinese history…”

I know you will join me in welcoming Ji-li to our campus; books for sale will be available but limited, especially Red Scarf Girl which is unavailable in China, so get in early if you’e like to purchase that one. We have loaded the kindles, ipads and ipods with her books and are encouraging our students to have discussions with their families about Ji-li’s stories, and their own stories if they lived through that period of time themselves, or if they know the story of the Monkey King.