Crouching Tiger

A Chinese-American boy gains a new understanding of his Chinese grandfather in this celebratory story of family, martial arts, and the Chinese New Year.

Vinson is very excited when his grandfather comes from China for a visit. When Grandpa practices tai chi in the garden, Vinson asks to learn, hoping it will be like kung fu, full of kicks and punches. But tai chi's meditative postures are slow and still, and Vinson quickly gets bored. He can't understand why Grandpa insists on calling him by his Chinese name, Ming Da, or why he has to wear a traditional Chinese jacket to the Chinese New Year parade. As the parade assembles, however, he notices the great respect given to his grandfather and the lion dancers under his training. And when Vinson is offered a role in the parade, he realizes that being part Chinese can be pretty cool--and is ready to start learning from his grandpa's martial-arts mastery in earnest.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 12/13/2011
ISBN: 9780763646424
Pages: 40
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 9.10h x 10.90w x 0.60d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2011
Publishers Weekly 10/31/2011
School Library Journal 12/01/2011 pg. 79
New York Times Book Review 11/13/2011 pg. 33
Booklist 12/15/2011 pg. 58
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2012
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2012 pg. 68
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2012 pg. 23 - Superior,Well Above Average

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 148326 / Crouching Tiger
Reading Level: 3.4 / Interest Level: Lower Grade / Point Value: 0.5