Magic and Myth in Imperial China in a National Book Award Finalist

Submitted by Judy Hanning on Fri, 2017-02-24 06:00
The New York Times discusses Grace Lin’s deep and engaging middle-grade trilogy. “When the Sea Turned to Silver” is an excellent addition for book clubs, students and children. Ginseng roots come to life through art forms of statue and painting. As a National Book Award finalist, this piece of literature blends culture, adventure, and intricate storytelling.

A horse becomes a dragon, a king becomes a tiger, two thugs become monkeys, a mussel becomes a swallow, a tongue becomes a snake, and a girl becomes a storyteller.

A quiet, mysterious girl lives on a mountain above a village. Taking place in imperial China, her grandmother, Amah, the Storyteller, is kidnapped by the emperor. Pinmei, in a quest to rise up against the emperor, is propelled through Chinese myths and folk tales. The three books in the series are best read in order, maintaining Lin’s interpretation of immortality – good fortune, peace, and longevity lead us into the future.
Grace Lin has written a middle-grade trilogy of surpassing wonder and emotional weight. “When the Sea Turned to Silver” is the last of the three novels, and it is full of charm and driving action. Statues, paintings and ginseng roots come to life. A horse becomes a dragon, a king becomes a tiger, two thugs become monkeys, a mussel becomes a swallow, a tongue becomes a snake, and a girl becomes a storyteller.
~ The New York Times

Key Takeaways:

1
Grace Li’s When the Sea Turned to Silver is the final book in a middle school trilogy about statues, ginseng roots and paintings that spring to life.
2
The final work in the series is a National Book Award finalist.
3
The heralded book explores the theme of longevity.
Read the full article here:
http://www.readingrockets.org/news/magic-and-myth-imperial-china-national-book-award-finalist