Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan

Bronze and Sunflower is a gentle, thought-provoking peek into the cultural revolution in China, its effects on two children, and the importance of sacrificing for your family. Ages 8-10

Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan and translated from the Chinese by Helen Wang. Illustrations by Meilo So. Candlewick, 2017. 400 pages.

• Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10
• Recommended For: Ages 8-10 as an independent read, ages 6 and up as a read aloud

Sunflower and her father have just relocated to a Cadre School in response to the urging of the new cultural movement in their country: citizens will work together to support one another and the economy. This new working community, or Cadre School, is just across the river from one of the poorest settlements, the Damaidi village, where Bronze and his family live. Bronze’s family is the poorest of the poor: his frail grandmother works just as hard as her daughter and son-in-law to make ends meet and keep food on the table. When the unthinkable happens and Sunflower’s father drowns, the Cadre School seeks someone from the Damaidi village to take her in. Bronze and Sunflower have already formed a steadfast friendship although he cannot speak and they have had to communicate across a river. Can his family afford to care for Sunflower?

This is a gentle, moving tale of friendship amidst hardship, perseverance amidst great difficulty, and of fierce loyalty to family and community. Set against the backdrop of China’s cultural revolution, the story simultaneously feels timeless as well as firmly grounded in its specific time and place. Bronze and Sunflower is a thoughtful book that rewards its reader’s patience. Thematic elements include family loyalty, sacrifice, friendship, love, and hard work. Additionally, a sweet underlying story of forgiveness and reconciliation will offer Christians much to discuss.

Cautions: death, harsh living conditions/poverty (a house burns down, for instance)

Overall Rating: 4.5

• Artistic Rating: 4.5
• Worldview Rating: 4.5