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Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah

Summary

Adeline Yen Mah is born into an affluent and powerful family in China, but her life is made miserable from the moment she is born. After her mother dies giving birth to her, Adeline's family labels her "bad luck," causing her to grow up with the guilt that she alone is responsible for her mother's death. Things at home get even worse when Adeline's father remarries. Restricted to one small area of the house, Adeline and her natural siblings are mistreated while their stepbrother and stepsister receive special treatment. An outstanding student and the winner of many academic awards, Adeline revels in the praise she receives from her Aunt Baba and grandfather, Ye Ye, and lives with the hope that her father might someday be proud of her.

205 pages, 5th grade and up

Discussion questions

Spoiler alert! Some of the questions contain key elements of the plot. Do not read if you don't want to know what happens!

  1. Describe Adeline. What kind of a person is she?
  2. In what way is Adeline courageous? Is she ever weak?
  3. Why do you think Adeline chose "Chinese Cinderella" as the title of this book?
  4. Adeline is a "stepchild" to her father's new wife. What do you think of when you hear the word stepchild?
  5. What does Mother Teresa mean when she says, "Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted are the greatest poverty."
  6. Does Adeline feels lonelier at home or when she is abandoned and sent away?
  7. Adeline's friend loans her a copy of the book A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Are you familiar with this book? Why does Adeline relate so well to Sara Crew, the main character.
  8. Adeline says, "I was the female warrior Mulan." (p. 47) Discuss the story of Mulan.
  9. When do Adeline's siblings begin to change their attitude toward her?
  10. What is Adeline's relationship like with her father?
  11. Adeline is telling the story of her life. Is she a reliable narrator? What do you think of her writing style?

Portions of this guide are credited to the Random House Teacher's Guide for Chinese Cinderella.

Activities

Research the story of Mulan.

Snacks: Have a Chinese food festival. Ask each book group member to bring a pint of their favorite Chinese food, anything but duck!

Created in part with funds granted by the Oregon State Library under the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library. Send feedback to Katie O'Dell, Reading Promotions Coordinator