Bronze and Sunflower

Bronze and Sunflower are the names of two children in China who become inseparable friends – and eventually family.

This sweet story by Cao Wenxuan was translated from Chinese by Helen Wang.

Set during the Cultural Revolution, Bronze and Sunflower is a story of love, hardships and family life in the Chinese countryside (and not about politics).

Bronze and Sunflower play together, work together and when Sunflower goes to school, she decides to teach Bronze how to read. The local school won’t take Bronze because he is mute. He can hear – just can’t speak.

I found the ending a bit unsatisfying, and bittersweet. Honestly, it’s probably more due to the fact that I grew up in the US and not China.

Highly recommended for ages 8 and up. Also as a read-aloud for ages 6 and up.

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