Chinese / People's Republic of China
Lou shang lou xia
(Upstairs, downstairs)
Yu, Liqiong
(text)
Zhang, Xiaoying
(illus.)
Hefei: Anhui shao nian er tong chu ban she (Anhui Juvenile and Children’s Publishing House), 2022. – 142 p.
ISBN 978-7-5707-1350-9
School | Girl | Teacher | Self-esteem | Courage
Reading age: 8+
White Ravens issue: 2023
The boy upstairs seems to live in his own world. He sings beautiful songs and knows so much more than others do, like a book too thick and complex to comprehend. To the complete surprise of his neighbour, he turns up at her school as a student teacher. He shares his favourite poems and books, encourages children to talk about their dreams, and tells them how to feel and express love through music. With his help, the girl gains enough courage to face those who are bullying her and gets a chance to fulfil her secret dream to become lead singer in a school concert. Now she will be able to face anything that stands in her way. Told in the voice and from the perspective of a shy girl, the story takes readers into the quiet turmoil in her heart and mind. The novel’s language is an easy one with a rich aftertaste. Yu Liqiong (b. 1980), author of many picture books, including the award-winning »Tuan yuan« (A new year’s reunion), is chief editor of »Dong fang wa wa« (Eastern Babies), a Chinese early education magazine. [FW, ZX]