“Connecting two brave heroes across time and space, Karina Yan Glaser has woven a shimmering treasure of a tale.” - Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honoree and author of The Last Mapmaker
“This masterful book is a major gem. I absolutely loved it.” - Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honoree and bestselling author of A Rover’s Story
“Unforgettable and absolutely magical, Han Yu and Luli bring the unfamiliar into our hearts and show us how the ordinary and everyday are full of wonder. An enthralling, enchanting, enlightening read.” - Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author of A Long Walk to Water
“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply DAZZLING and the best book I’ve read in a long time.” - James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” - Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
“With short, punchy chapters that end on cliffhangers, this historical fiction is hard to put down. Teachers will appreciate it as an entry point into learning about Chinese history, the Great Depression, and Chinese art and poetry, while kids will love the friendships and high stakes (art thieves! tigers! bandits!). It’s my favorite middle grade novel of the year!” - Book Riot (Five Stars)
“Though separated in time and place, [Han Yu and Luli's stories are] told in a realistic manner with an occasional hint of magic. The main characters emerge as heroes in this engaging narrative, which encompasses their interconnected family stories. Memorable." - Booklist (starred review)
“A crowd-pleasing pick that will make a winning family read-aloud." - Washington Post
“Make space on your shelf for this delectable, suspenseful adventure. Glaser infuses each unforgettable story line with immersive sensory details, situating the reader on the dusty trails of Han Yu’s trek or surrounded by Manhattan pushcart vendors calling out their delicacies for sale." - Horn Book (starred review)
“Thrilling, heartwarming adventures highlight commonalities that span centuries.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Absorbing. Polished prose renders the characters’ treacherous quests, throughout which the protagonists encounter both wayward strangers and lifelong friends, making for an endearing tribute to bravery and friendship.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A vibrant masterpiece, not to be missed. In this fabulously crafted tale, Glaser brings not one, but two, periods of history to life, while showing how deeply connected they—and we—are.” - BookPage (starred review)
“To make this beautiful book: Knead two family heroes, a scrap of silk, and a pinch of magic tiger in a bowl. Cut the tension with a knife, then roll into chapters. Place a heaping teaspoon of friendship, poetry, and adventure in the center, and pleat into a bao. Put characters over hot water and steam for nine months, then serve and savoir immediately.” - Alan Gratz, bestselling author of Refugee
Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people-one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown-on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” -Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
In ancient Chang'An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.
In New York's Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents' restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.
Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang'An and financial crisis threatens Luli's family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world-and into danger-filled adventure-to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser's epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.
“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply dazzling and the best book I've read in a long time.” -James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people-one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown-on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” -Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
In ancient Chang'An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.
In New York's Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents' restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.
Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang'An and financial crisis threatens Luli's family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world-and into danger-filled adventure-to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser's epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.
“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply dazzling and the best book I've read in a long time.” -James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
Editorial Reviews
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940194516209 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperCollins |
| Publication date: | 09/16/2025 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
| Age Range: | 8 - 11 Years |
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