Chinese History Stories Volume 2: Stories from the Imperial Era (Treasures of China)
Grade 5–9—These first two entries in a planned series of 12 volumes offer gripping introductions to China's cultural narratives. From the initial two-page condensation of 3000 years of history to the suggestions to "Learn More" after (often more useful to read before), the well-told stories and the attractively varied illustrations are riveting. Not surprisingly, in texts first published in China (2008), the kings are hardly heroic. Foolishly attached to women or baubles, in need of (and sometimes deceived by) clever counselors, they are feckless if not evil. Volume 1's histories are often violent: the slandered counselor Qu Yuan commits suicide after the state that exiled him is overthrown; Sun Tzu has two concubines executed when the court ladies fail military training; Ximen Bao defeats corruption by drowning the corrupt. More edifying tales depict ministers who put country ahead of personal pride (Zhou Dynasty) and characters who reform (Imperial Era). Volume 2's stories are mostly military. A political agenda infiltrates the retelling of Wencheng's Tibetan marriage and references to Taiwan. Multiple illustrators provide changing art styles and historical allusions, but all are detailed, lively, and colorful. Vocabulary is usually accessible, though the names will likely be a challenge.—Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.