Fiction Pick of the Week: Girl in Translation

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok 2010

Narrated by an eleven-year-old girl, this is the inspiring story of Kimberly and her mother who make the move from Hong Kong to New York City in the 1990s. They are leaving Hong Kong before China takes over and incorporates communist rule. However, they are not prepared for the impoverished living conditions of New York City after leaving a comfortable lifestyle back home. Her mother ends up working in a textile sweatshop and has trouble learning the language and customs of the city. Kimberly must assume a leadership role in her small family to protect her mother and to get ahead in her education. We follow Kimberly’s progress as she masters the language and excels in school. Her journey is not always easy and is heartbreaking at times, but her strong spirit helps her to overcome the obstacles to succeed.
Compelling coming-of-age fiction which would be interesting to teens as well as adults.