Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter | 
 enlarge | Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Category: Book
List Price: $6.99
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Avg. Customer Rating:  181 reviews
Sales Rank: 2869
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Reading Level: Young Adult
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 224
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.8
ISBN: 0440228654
Dewey Decimal Number: 979.40049510092
EAN: 9780440228653
ASIN: 0440228654
Publication Date: March 13, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New and Factory Sealed Item Fast Shipping
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Chinese Cinderella is the perfect title for Adeline Yen Mah's compelling autobiography in which, like the fairy-tale maiden, her childhood was ruled by a cruel stepmother. "Fifth Younger Sister" or "Wu Mei," as Yen Mah was called, is only an infant when her father remarries after her mother's death. As the youngest of her five siblings, Wu Mei suffers the worst at the hands of her stepmother Niang. She is denied carfare, frequently forgotten at school at the end of the day, and whipped for daring to attend a classmate's birthday party against Niang's wishes. Her father even forgets the spelling of her name when filling out her school enrollment record. In her loneliness, Wu Mei turns to books for company: "I was alone with my beloved books. What bliss! To be left in peace with Cordelia, Regan, Gonoril, and Lear himself--characters more real than my family... What happiness! What comfort!" Even though Wu Mei is repeatedly moved up to grades above those of her peers, it is only when she wins an international play-writing contest in high school that her father finally takes notice and grants her wish to attend college in England. Despite her parent's heartbreaking neglect, she eventually becomes a doctor and realizes her dream of being a writer. Teens, with their passionate convictions and strong sense of fair play, will be immediately enveloped in the gross injustice of Adeline Yen Mah's story. A complete glossary, historical notes on the state of Chinese society and politics during Yen Mah's childhood, and the legend of the original Chinese Cinderella round out this stirring testimony to the strength of human character and the power of education. (Ages 10 to 15) --Jennifer Hubert
Product Description
A riveting memoir of a girl's painful coming-of-age in a wealthy Chinese family during the 1940s.
A Chinese proverb says, "Falling leaves return to their roots." In Chinese Cinderella, Adeline Yen Mah returns to her roots to tell the story of her painful childhood and her ultimate triumph and courage in the face of despair. Adeline's affluent, powerful family considers her bad luck after her mother dies giving birth to her. Life does not get any easier when her father remarries. She and her siblings are subjected to the disdain of her stepmother, while her stepbrother and stepsister are spoiled. Although Adeline wins prizes at school, they are not enough to compensate for what she really yearns for -- the love and understanding of her family.
Following the success of the critically acclaimed adult bestseller Falling Leaves, this memoir is a moving telling of the classic Cinderella story, with Adeline Yen Mah providing her own courageous voice.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 176 more reviews...
 Heartwrenching, enspiring tale of a young girl who was neglected. March 25, 2008
I couldn't put this book down, being 1/2 chinese myself I loved the historical comments found in this book and could relate to some of the coldness shown to her by her family. Favortism runs deep in this book as it does in alot of chinese families as well as american families. I felt sad while reading this book yet her strength and determination was inspiring and so powerful throughout this whole story. A great story for all to read.
A girl treated like cinderella March 21, 2008
Chinese Cinderella is a memoir, also known as a story of bravery endurance and a strong little girl who goes by the name of Adeline. Adeline ,also known as the Chinese Cinderella, needs to be brave to survive life. she has great endurance when it comes to school. Adeline is a strong character when it comes to her family because they tease and beat her. The setting of Chinese Cinderella was obviously in china. In the middle of the book the Chinese were having a war against the French. Adeline's mother died because of her birth. As a result she was considered "bad luck". Another conflict is she has an evil step mother whom has two kids and treats them like they are the only kids in the house. Her relationship between her and her father sucks one reason is because he does not even know her own birthday.
Our class just finished this novel March 9, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
My 6th grade class just finished reading this novel. The majority of us absolutely loved it. We had great discussions about how Adeline's parents never appreciated what wonderful gifts she had to offer in life. Also- we were all amazed how tragic her life was and her ability to overcome the continual abuse. The major reason why some of my classmates did not enjoy the book was because it was simply too sad. Every teacher in middle school should give their students the opportunity to read this work.
 Chinese Cinderella March 4, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
"My face was probably smeared with a mixture of blood, mucus and tears. I stood in front of my classmates. I felt naked and ghastly. I had been so careful to pretend that I came from a loving family."
Chinese Cinderella is an extremely sad story written by Adeline Yen Mah. This book tells the story of Adeline, a young girl with talent who is hated by her family. It takes place in China during the 1940s when the communist are starting to take over. Adeline only has a few friends because of the hatred that is going on between her and many of her family members. Her best friend is her own aunt Baba. If you enjoy extremely depressing books then this book is for you, otherwise do not even pick up this book!!!
!Warning!
This book increases depression by 20% while reading!
Best Book February 13, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
"If you had not been born, mama would still be alive, she died because of you. Your bad luck," said Adeline's big sister.
Adeline Yen Mah lives with her brothers and sister, her father and her step mother, Niang, and don't forget Aunt Baba. Aunt Baba is the only one that listens to Adeline. Everyone ignores her and is very mean her. They think that she is bad luck.
This is my favorite book in the whole wide world. I love this book because it shows how other people are treated in other countries. When I was reading this book, I would stay up till 11:00! This book is very hard to put down. If you read about Adeline Yen Mah, be prepared to shead a tear. There are happy and funny parts, but mostly depressing parts.
Chinese Cinderella is definitely five star book. I would recommend this book to ages 11 and up. This was my summer reading book and has been my favorite book since!
-Olivia Liu
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