What's the hook?

A fascinating and moving autobiographical novel. 

What are the themes?

Different cultures, families/generations, friendship, school life and the individual vs society.

Teaching points?

Excellent for multicultural work, as it is set against a background of life in Japanese occupied China.  Ideal for exploring narrative structure as it is told simply as a series of snapshots.  Comparative work opportunities as it includes the original story of Cinderella that originated in the Tang dynasty (AD 618-908).