Biography

Chinese Cinderella
Adeline Yen Mah's heartbreaking memoir is told in simple, vivid language and recounts her experience as Wu Mei (Fifth Daughter) and Adeline, the name given her by her stepmother. Much of the story stems back from her association with the death of her mother (who died shortly after giving birth to Adeline). That defining moment created the relationship she was to have with her siblings for the rest of her life. It also created the circumstances in which her father remarried the woman referred to as Niang (Mother). The relationship with Niang and her children led to great grief and trauma for Adeline. No matter how successful she came to be, and Adeline was extremely successful throughout school, it was not until much later when Adeline entered a play writing contest that she finally felt some level of respect from her father.

This real life fairy tale is a reminder of the fragility and strength of the human spirit. It is a wonderful juxtaposition that is expressed in short, direct chapters with powerful emotion and direct statements. I highly recommend this for anyone in fourth grade (maybe third, depending on their experiences and interest) though late adulthood. It is a story that has the potential to touch everyone.

Bibiliographical Information
Yen Mah, Adeline (1999). Chinese Cinderella: The true story of an unwanted daughter. New York, New York: Dell Laurel Leaf.

ISBN: 0-440-22865-4. Paperback, $5.99

Awards:

Named to Best Books for Young Adults in 2000