This Place Is Still Beautiful
XiXi Tian

Annalie and Margaret are Chinese American sisters. Their mother is Chinese, and their Caucasian father left the family years ago. Annalie is a high school student on summer vacation. Margaret is living her dream in New York City, where she has a summer internship. One day, after receiving a phone call from her very distressed mother, Annalie arrives home to find that someone had painted the word of an ethnic slur in large red letters on their garage door. Annalie's first call is to Margaret, who comes home immediately, intending to pursue justice. Margaret wastes no time in contacting the police and local news sources. Annalie becomes aware of some critical information and struggles with the dilemma of wanting to be accepted by her peers while wanting to do what is morally right. While differing opinions cause conflict within the family, they also offer opportunities for more honest communication and closeness. Young Adult readers will relate to the challenging issues in this story.

Page OneStaff PicksYouth YakBook Groups News