Red Scarf Girl

A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution

By: Ji-li Jiang

Narrated by: Christina Moore

Twelve-year-old Ji-li Jiang has brains, friends, and a bright future. Then Mao Zedong launches China’s infamous Cultural Revolution. Soon school is suspended and students are getting caught up in the fervor of Mao’s extreme politics. When Ji-li’s family is accused of capitalist crimes, all of her beautiful dreams burst like soap bubbles. Because Ji-li’s grandfather was a landlord, her family is harassed and humiliated. Their home is searched, and they live in constant fear. Nonetheless, Ji-li remains loyal to her beloved Chairman Mao and endeavors to "reform her ideology". But with her father’s detention, Ji-li is faced with the most difficult choice of her life.

Told with simple grace, this is the true story of a family’s courage in one of the most terrifying eras of modern history. Christina Moore’s moving narration makes the Jiang family’s saga unforgettable.

©1997 Ji-li Jiang (P)1999 Recorded Books

Good picture of the Cultural Revolution and terror regimes in general

This book is not your typical memory of a difficult childhood, it is a very clear psycological portrait of terror and colective hysteria.

We’ve been taught nothing of china in American schools

Eye opening book. This can happen here. I see similarities all the time. We sail along blindly.

Important book

This book is a vital part of any secondary school education. I use this work with my middle schoolers.

Great story

As a American i really learned alot about China's history and just great story.And just great drama.

The complexities of compliance

This is such an excellent read. Lord of the flies meets Amy Tan. I am left in such deep thought trying to understand human nature. I loved it.