(“Braids,” n.p.). Ed Young’s pastel and colored-pencil illustrations highlight the differences—and the similarities—between the cultures that Andrea Cheng’s free-verse novel explores. 2005 Junior Library Guild Selection, Origi nal Art Show–Society of Illustrators, Children’s Books of the Year–Bank Street College Children’s Book Committee, A Parent’s Choice Recommended Award Winner, Starred Review–Kirkus Reviews. Illustrator Ed Young received the Calde cott Medal in 1990 and Caldecott Honors in 1993 and 1989. lmp

"You are my messenger. Look everything. Remember." Grandma Nai Nai tells eleven-year-old Xiao Mei as the girl heads off to Shanghai, China, to visit their extended family. Xiao Mei is both excited and apprehensive. She will meet many new relatives, but will they accept her, a girl from America who is only half Chinese?

Xiao Mei is eagerly embraced by her aunties, uncles and cousins and quickly immersed in the sights, smells and hubbub of daily living in Shanghai. At first battling homesickness, Xiao Mei soon ventures on her own, discovering the excitement of a different way of life and a new appreciation of her Chinese heritage. When it is finally time to leave, Xiao Mei must gather up her memories and bring "a little bit of China" back home.

Ed Young's exquisite drawings touchingly highlight Andrea Cheng's lyrical story of adventure, self-discovery, and the strong bonds that tie families together.