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Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze
Young Fu is bound for seven years to be an apprentice to Tang the coppersmith, and his new life in the Chinese city Chungking is both exciting and terrifying. Young Fu endures the taunts of his coworkers, and must live by his wits on the streets, where restless soldiers will shoot a man if he does not carry a load for them, and beggars steal from those who pass them by.
Yet for Young Fu, the pleasures of the bustling Chungking of the 1920s far outweigh its dangers. Little by little he learns the ways of the big city and plunges into adventure after adventure. Young Fu's eagerness to help others and his acts of courage earn him many friends, and finally, more good fortune than he ever thought possible.
Yet for Young Fu, the pleasures of the bustling Chungking of the 1920s far outweigh its dangers. Little by little he learns the ways of the big city and plunges into adventure after adventure. Young Fu's eagerness to help others and his acts of courage earn him many friends, and finally, more good fortune than he ever thought possible.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1932
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
April 28, 2017
I've given up trying to understand China's Cultural Revolution and the Chinese Communist Party. No matter how many books I've read on the subject, I always come away, scratching my head, certain that, somehow, I know less than I did the day before. As to better understanding the Tiananmen Square Massacre, I have stood dead center in that very Square and have asked several guides, BUT WHAT REALLY HAPPENED HERE?, and was answered with "we will have noodles with our beer."
Okay, so politics are out, but that's okay, because I've never been super interested in the general corruption and clandestine activities of governments anyway. What interests me are regular people, and Young Fu is definitely a regular guy.
Young Fu is the protagonist of this 1933 Newberry winner, and, while he's no Holden Caulfield or Paul Atreides, he has great appeal. At the story's beginning, he's the country bumpkin who has arrived in the "big city," and he's there to take a new stab at life with his widowed mother.
He's your typical adolescent: a bit too cocky, a bit too sure that he has all of the answers. He gets into some funny scrapes, both with his employer and with bandits and he falls prey to different temptations (falls into debt, too).
As a reader, you not only get an authentic taste of turn-of-the-century China, but you go on a coming-of-age journey with Fu, who, though poor as dirt, appears to have "the special favor of Kwan Yin" and a great curiosity and hunger for life.
I found this a surprisingly fun read and I can't recommend it enough for teenagers who have caught a bad case of affluenza.
Okay, so politics are out, but that's okay, because I've never been super interested in the general corruption and clandestine activities of governments anyway. What interests me are regular people, and Young Fu is definitely a regular guy.
Young Fu is the protagonist of this 1933 Newberry winner, and, while he's no Holden Caulfield or Paul Atreides, he has great appeal. At the story's beginning, he's the country bumpkin who has arrived in the "big city," and he's there to take a new stab at life with his widowed mother.
He's your typical adolescent: a bit too cocky, a bit too sure that he has all of the answers. He gets into some funny scrapes, both with his employer and with bandits and he falls prey to different temptations (falls into debt, too).
As a reader, you not only get an authentic taste of turn-of-the-century China, but you go on a coming-of-age journey with Fu, who, though poor as dirt, appears to have "the special favor of Kwan Yin" and a great curiosity and hunger for life.
I found this a surprisingly fun read and I can't recommend it enough for teenagers who have caught a bad case of affluenza.
August 20, 2024
Newbery Medal winner and rightly so. A coming of age story of a country boy coming to Chunking (Chongqing) with his widowed mother to serve as an apprentice to a coppersmith who runs the best brass making workshop in the city. He learns his trade, the ways of the world and to be open to life's possibilities, and how to be a good friend and good man. Very nice story for all ages.
September 15, 2011
Given the year this book was written, it's a decent story. Compared with other Newberys of that period, that is. I'm glad I read it (only 2 more Newbery winners to go!!) but I wouldn't read it again.
"Always these foreigners must hurry," remarked the coppersmith. "They waste good time studying their watches. They hasten to earn money and hasten to spend it. Why then trouble to gain it? Careful spending increases riches."
"Shall I teach the Ancient Wisdom to one who wishes to use it only for the earning of money? Knowest thou not that the treasure of knowledge is to be revered for itself alone? It has been given that men might learn how to live, not to win fortune. What is fortune without wisdom?"
"Safety lies in distance from the scene of calamity."
"Character is made by rising above one's misfortunes."
"There are several kinds of foreigners, as there are of Middle Kingdom men. Some have good hearts. Some I like so little I care not who kills them. But to declare that they have brought all of the evils from which this land suffers, is the talk of fools."
Regarding gambling: "He who rides on a tiger cannot dismount when he pleases."
"No man is entirely devoid of goodness, and the princely man is tolerant of other men's weaknesses."
"One day followed another with no lightening of the tension. Every person in the place was aware of the undercurrent of trouble. At midday rice, talk was desultory. Tsu's smart quips were few in number. Tang was forever lost in his own thoughts. Young Fu, suspicious of every word or look, fancied that Lu singled him out for harshness; the accountant made sly insinuations that caused the youth to burn with indignation."
"In the course of time, men's motives may be seen. Jealousy is a strong passion for a youth to conquer."
"Life's ways were strange. He, for no apparent reason, had one stroke of luck after the other. Lu, an innocent, hard-working soul, had been caught by ill fortune in a net of worry and disgrace."
"No task into which a man puts his heart is too bad. For the lazy, all work is difficult."
"Always these foreigners must hurry," remarked the coppersmith. "They waste good time studying their watches. They hasten to earn money and hasten to spend it. Why then trouble to gain it? Careful spending increases riches."
"Shall I teach the Ancient Wisdom to one who wishes to use it only for the earning of money? Knowest thou not that the treasure of knowledge is to be revered for itself alone? It has been given that men might learn how to live, not to win fortune. What is fortune without wisdom?"
"Safety lies in distance from the scene of calamity."
"Character is made by rising above one's misfortunes."
"There are several kinds of foreigners, as there are of Middle Kingdom men. Some have good hearts. Some I like so little I care not who kills them. But to declare that they have brought all of the evils from which this land suffers, is the talk of fools."
Regarding gambling: "He who rides on a tiger cannot dismount when he pleases."
"No man is entirely devoid of goodness, and the princely man is tolerant of other men's weaknesses."
"One day followed another with no lightening of the tension. Every person in the place was aware of the undercurrent of trouble. At midday rice, talk was desultory. Tsu's smart quips were few in number. Tang was forever lost in his own thoughts. Young Fu, suspicious of every word or look, fancied that Lu singled him out for harshness; the accountant made sly insinuations that caused the youth to burn with indignation."
"In the course of time, men's motives may be seen. Jealousy is a strong passion for a youth to conquer."
"Life's ways were strange. He, for no apparent reason, had one stroke of luck after the other. Lu, an innocent, hard-working soul, had been caught by ill fortune in a net of worry and disgrace."
"No task into which a man puts his heart is too bad. For the lazy, all work is difficult."
April 2, 2011
This book shows a Chinese community on the eve of communism. The author portrays the city through the eyes of a young coppersmith apprentice. I enjoyed the adventures and the dialogue. I liked that the book did not go into detail on foot binding (I've already read a graphic portrayal of that process and don't want to ever read about it again). I was curious to see how religion played a role in their lives before communism wiped out all religious displays. It appears from this book's account that the common people were blind-sided by communism. They didn't pay attention to politics because they had no voice and so it took them by surprise. It's grip is still tightly wrapped around all the affairs of the Chinese people and just like the US tax code it will probably let go very reluctantly.
July 1, 2017
Children should be reading this! Lewis masterfully combined setting, character, and action to create an exciting and memorable book. The pacing and plot structure place it ahead of classics like The Dark Frigate and Adam of the Road, and even with my personal favorites Rifles for Watie and Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. Although it is not better than these last two, I would argue that the sentence/paragraph level writing and vocabulary are more accessible, and therefore Young Fu is the best option for a child of 2017.
The setting is exceptional. Most bildungsromans symbolize character growth through a journey that crosses different settings and different characters. Lewis wisely keeps the action mainly in Chungking, and maintains a largely stable cast of characters. Instead, Young Fu's development can be traced largely through his changing relationship with the city around him, with his mother, and with his mentor, Tang. Not only does this create a meaningful, resonant narrative, but it also makes the book more accessible to readers who struggle with prior knowledge, setting, or large casts of characters.
Fans of character education will love this story. Much like the work of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the protagonist starts off as a well-intentioned, positive person who is simply immature. Even good people need to grow, and Young Fu gradually learns lessons about honesty, humility, personal responsibility, and industry. None of the lessons are heavy-handed; they all occur within a basic cause and effect framework in which good choices result in increase of self-respect and the esteem of mentors, whereas bad choices result in misfortune and loss of integrity. Good choices do not guarantee good fortune, but they make it more likely.
Like many of the aforementioned books, the plot is episodic. However, it holds together better than most. The development of the characters and their relationships is so strong that each episode contributes to the broader arc, and frequently rests on events that occurred in earlier episodes. This type of structure would be very helpful for a reader who had difficulty with longer, complex story arcs or with disconnected, episodic narratives. Again, points for accessibility.
Cultural accuracy and political correctness
An 80 year old book about China written by a western author raises some flags, but this book delivers. Lewis presents scrupulously accurate descriptions of time and place, and, most importantly, describes the characters as a group of individuals with some shared culture and history but many different beliefs and attitudes. At no point will you encounter generalizations such as, "The Chinese are..." or "The Chinese believe..." In fact, much of the last third of the book involves discussions among the characters over how to adapt to new or foreign ideas while maintaining their cultural identity.
Coolies
This book uses the word "coolies," which has been questioned in some reviews. A few words about that term:
First, I strongly recommend the book Coolies, which explains that the word was used derogatorily. This implies to me that it is a word that has been used offensively, and has been used in an overgeneralized way, but that it is not very offensive unto itself. A similar term would be "Chief," which is not offensive when used correctly, but becomes offensive when used derisively as a general term for American Indians. It is clear in the book Coolies that the author's preferred term is "Chinese laborer."
Second, a scan of the wikipedia article reveals that the word "coolie" is used in many cultures, with different shades of meaning, and with different levels of respect. It is similar to the term "Yankee," which can be a compliment in some settings and an insult in others.
Third, Lewis uses the term in a way that signals the attitudes of Young Fu. One of Young Fu's character issues is a sense of classism and a belief that he is above certain types of labor. To this end, he looks down on the coolies. A good substitution for "coolie" would be the word "commoner" or even "peasant." Lewis does something similar by having Fu voice some sexist comments that are hard to take seriously and serve to show the immaturity of his character.
Pinyin
Readers should be aware that this was written before the advent of the pinyin convention of romanizing Chinese characters. Therefore, the city we know as Beijing is called "Peking" and the city that is today called Chongqing is called "Chungking" in the book.
Recommended for grade 5 and up.
The setting is exceptional. Most bildungsromans symbolize character growth through a journey that crosses different settings and different characters. Lewis wisely keeps the action mainly in Chungking, and maintains a largely stable cast of characters. Instead, Young Fu's development can be traced largely through his changing relationship with the city around him, with his mother, and with his mentor, Tang. Not only does this create a meaningful, resonant narrative, but it also makes the book more accessible to readers who struggle with prior knowledge, setting, or large casts of characters.
Fans of character education will love this story. Much like the work of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the protagonist starts off as a well-intentioned, positive person who is simply immature. Even good people need to grow, and Young Fu gradually learns lessons about honesty, humility, personal responsibility, and industry. None of the lessons are heavy-handed; they all occur within a basic cause and effect framework in which good choices result in increase of self-respect and the esteem of mentors, whereas bad choices result in misfortune and loss of integrity. Good choices do not guarantee good fortune, but they make it more likely.
Like many of the aforementioned books, the plot is episodic. However, it holds together better than most. The development of the characters and their relationships is so strong that each episode contributes to the broader arc, and frequently rests on events that occurred in earlier episodes. This type of structure would be very helpful for a reader who had difficulty with longer, complex story arcs or with disconnected, episodic narratives. Again, points for accessibility.
Cultural accuracy and political correctness
An 80 year old book about China written by a western author raises some flags, but this book delivers. Lewis presents scrupulously accurate descriptions of time and place, and, most importantly, describes the characters as a group of individuals with some shared culture and history but many different beliefs and attitudes. At no point will you encounter generalizations such as, "The Chinese are..." or "The Chinese believe..." In fact, much of the last third of the book involves discussions among the characters over how to adapt to new or foreign ideas while maintaining their cultural identity.
Coolies
This book uses the word "coolies," which has been questioned in some reviews. A few words about that term:
First, I strongly recommend the book Coolies, which explains that the word was used derogatorily. This implies to me that it is a word that has been used offensively, and has been used in an overgeneralized way, but that it is not very offensive unto itself. A similar term would be "Chief," which is not offensive when used correctly, but becomes offensive when used derisively as a general term for American Indians. It is clear in the book Coolies that the author's preferred term is "Chinese laborer."
Second, a scan of the wikipedia article reveals that the word "coolie" is used in many cultures, with different shades of meaning, and with different levels of respect. It is similar to the term "Yankee," which can be a compliment in some settings and an insult in others.
Third, Lewis uses the term in a way that signals the attitudes of Young Fu. One of Young Fu's character issues is a sense of classism and a belief that he is above certain types of labor. To this end, he looks down on the coolies. A good substitution for "coolie" would be the word "commoner" or even "peasant." Lewis does something similar by having Fu voice some sexist comments that are hard to take seriously and serve to show the immaturity of his character.
Pinyin
Readers should be aware that this was written before the advent of the pinyin convention of romanizing Chinese characters. Therefore, the city we know as Beijing is called "Peking" and the city that is today called Chongqing is called "Chungking" in the book.
Recommended for grade 5 and up.
February 2, 2022
I read this book to the kids as part of our year studying the Eastern Hemisphere. It won the Newbery Medal in 1933. It took awhile for our ears to grow accustomed to both the more complex language and the different patterns of speaking in the book. (Think Yoda.) I am assuming that they are meant to convey the patterns of the Chinese language when translated to English.
We all thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was a great way for my children to learn about the China of almost a hundred years ago while laughing at the exploits of a boy not much older than them. Young Fu got into some scrapes, but his character grew through them with the help of his wise mentors. All the while, we get to envision sedan chairs squeezing through tiny streets in the walled city of Chungking.
We all thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was a great way for my children to learn about the China of almost a hundred years ago while laughing at the exploits of a boy not much older than them. Young Fu got into some scrapes, but his character grew through them with the help of his wise mentors. All the while, we get to envision sedan chairs squeezing through tiny streets in the walled city of Chungking.
May 12, 2018
Problematic for modern children, not really recommended unless a parent reads it first and explains what terms are now derogatory and so on. The word 'coolie' is used a lot but is now considered a derogatory word. Additionally problematic because the book is written by someone not of the culture they are writing about.
After you get past that, this book is still a bit old fashioned and definitely has plenty of little morality tales thrown in.
Overall though, it still manages to be somewhat fun to read. It wasn't a complete drudgery like many older juvenile fiction books are.
Recommended for adults trying to complete Newbery list or other adults who enjoy reading vintage kid lit. Very much a typical older adventure story where all goes well for the hero.
After you get past that, this book is still a bit old fashioned and definitely has plenty of little morality tales thrown in.
Overall though, it still manages to be somewhat fun to read. It wasn't a complete drudgery like many older juvenile fiction books are.
Recommended for adults trying to complete Newbery list or other adults who enjoy reading vintage kid lit. Very much a typical older adventure story where all goes well for the hero.
August 26, 2024
Newbery Medal winner of 1933. Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze is one of the early Newbery books which has stood the test of time. 1920s Chungking comes to life as does the pre-Communist societal and political landscape. Young Fu's coming of age is timeless and lend for many life lessons applicable even today. This would be an excellent book to introduce young readers to Chinese history and a deeper dive into then versus now and the world events which played a part in China's evolution over the last 100 years.
March 9, 2009
"Medicines are bitter in the mouth, but they cure sickness." (Tang)
I really have hit my stride (or the right decade) on Newbery books! This book can best be classified as "charming". There are many lessons learned, lots of instances where the Asian concept of "respect" is so clearly different from the 2009 American one, and very good descriptions of (as much as can be imagined) what life might have been like in Chunking in that day. The negatives of course, are due to time and cultural dating -- many examples of "she's not important because she's a girl", and of course, the prevalent use of the word "coolie". As I started the book, I actually thought, "isn't that a negative word?", but I was never near a dictionary or computer when I thought that. Each time I read a section with that in it (and there were many), I thought that again. Finally, now that I'm done, I remembered to look it up. As I thought, it's not nice now.
One of the things I like about books like this is the strong mother. She is very clear on what her son should and shouldn't do. Her sense of right and wrong, honoring the family name, appropriate behaviors, etc., are all things that mold her young son. We see this throughout the book, but none is as beautiful as the time he loses a huge amount of his mother's money to dominoes. Although Tang will lend him the money, he still feels compelled to tell his mother:
I can't imagine there are few prouder moments in a parent's life than when their child makes the hard choice by telling them something they didn't have to, but wanted to.
I'm also impressed by people who have nothing being willing to help their neighbors. When Wang Scholar gets sick, Young Fu describes his symptoms to his mother: When Fu Be Be heard this report, she pursed her lips. "Let me think a little. My grandmother used a certain brewing of herbs for such weakness." She moved to the chimney and took a coin from the hidden store. "Go to the large drug shop and buy these." She didn't hesitate a minute to try to help. She immediately took money from her own stash and sent her son to the drugist. I find this in the human condition time and time again.
There is much wisdom in this book. From Tang's treatment of his employees, to allowing a person to learn a lesson "the hard way", to the Foreign Woman to the wise neighbor Wang Scholar. I'll end with him, "When in trouble, silence is the best refuge."
Oh, and re: the introduction -- who knew Pearl Buck grew up in China?
I really have hit my stride (or the right decade) on Newbery books! This book can best be classified as "charming". There are many lessons learned, lots of instances where the Asian concept of "respect" is so clearly different from the 2009 American one, and very good descriptions of (as much as can be imagined) what life might have been like in Chunking in that day. The negatives of course, are due to time and cultural dating -- many examples of "she's not important because she's a girl", and of course, the prevalent use of the word "coolie". As I started the book, I actually thought, "isn't that a negative word?", but I was never near a dictionary or computer when I thought that. Each time I read a section with that in it (and there were many), I thought that again. Finally, now that I'm done, I remembered to look it up. As I thought, it's not nice now.
One of the things I like about books like this is the strong mother. She is very clear on what her son should and shouldn't do. Her sense of right and wrong, honoring the family name, appropriate behaviors, etc., are all things that mold her young son. We see this throughout the book, but none is as beautiful as the time he loses a huge amount of his mother's money to dominoes. Although Tang will lend him the money, he still feels compelled to tell his mother:
"Since Tang was helping you, it was not necessary for me to know." Fu Be Be said after a long pause. "Why did you tell me?"
"I do not know. I had to do so." Young Fu's fingers picked at a small rough place on the table surface. Finally, he raised his eyes to his mother's and found the other's wet with tears. ... After a time she spoke, "You have become a man overnight."
I can't imagine there are few prouder moments in a parent's life than when their child makes the hard choice by telling them something they didn't have to, but wanted to.
I'm also impressed by people who have nothing being willing to help their neighbors. When Wang Scholar gets sick, Young Fu describes his symptoms to his mother: When Fu Be Be heard this report, she pursed her lips. "Let me think a little. My grandmother used a certain brewing of herbs for such weakness." She moved to the chimney and took a coin from the hidden store. "Go to the large drug shop and buy these." She didn't hesitate a minute to try to help. She immediately took money from her own stash and sent her son to the drugist. I find this in the human condition time and time again.
There is much wisdom in this book. From Tang's treatment of his employees, to allowing a person to learn a lesson "the hard way", to the Foreign Woman to the wise neighbor Wang Scholar. I'll end with him, "When in trouble, silence is the best refuge."
Oh, and re: the introduction -- who knew Pearl Buck grew up in China?
December 29, 2009
I have never read a Newbery Award winner that I didn't like! This one was a lot different than most of them that I have read because it was published in 1932, so it has some older-style writing. So keep that in mind if you want to read a mindless book. The book is not that hard to read, because it is a young adult book, but the style took a little bit of concentration.
But let me just say this: I love China. I think it is the most fascinating place in the entire world. Sometimes I dream in Chinese. Unfortunately I only know the words for cat, American, thank you, hello, and so-so (as in 'how are you?' 'I am so-so'.) So a typical dream would be as follows:
Me: Hello American Cat.
Cat: Hello American.
Me: Cat, hello.
Cat: So-so.
Me: Thank you!
So, perhaps the dreams are not that enlightening. And they always take place on the Great Wall of China.
I only know the word for 'so-so' because it makes me laugh: ha ha moo moo. Seriously, that is what it really is! How are you today? Ha ha moo moo!!!! Doesn't that make you feel better just saying it? You would not be so-so for long!! We should all add it to our vocabulary, just like 'hell for breakfast' (see my review of 'Jubilee Trail.)
But let me just say this: I love China. I think it is the most fascinating place in the entire world. Sometimes I dream in Chinese. Unfortunately I only know the words for cat, American, thank you, hello, and so-so (as in 'how are you?' 'I am so-so'.) So a typical dream would be as follows:
Me: Hello American Cat.
Cat: Hello American.
Me: Cat, hello.
Cat: So-so.
Me: Thank you!
So, perhaps the dreams are not that enlightening. And they always take place on the Great Wall of China.
I only know the word for 'so-so' because it makes me laugh: ha ha moo moo. Seriously, that is what it really is! How are you today? Ha ha moo moo!!!! Doesn't that make you feel better just saying it? You would not be so-so for long!! We should all add it to our vocabulary, just like 'hell for breakfast' (see my review of 'Jubilee Trail.)
April 21, 2009
Elizabeth Lewis writes a full story, fleshed out very well in all its details and with no consideration overlooked, in this surprisingly strong early Newbery Medal winner.
The 1930s, in my opinion, are a wonderful stronghold of magnificent Newbery books, and I would consider Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze to be one of its most deservedly proud offerings. The tenderly detailed descriptions of Young Fu's life and of the entire Chinese experience of the time period is enchanted and wonderful, and I happily lapped up every last moment of it. One of the longer Newbery Medal winners, this book nevertheless holds the reader's attention very well throughout with its enlightening and adventures stories, as well as the humor and wit with which Elizabeth Lewis has liberally leavened the plot from beginning to finish.
Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze is a joy to read, and a joy to own.
The 1930s, in my opinion, are a wonderful stronghold of magnificent Newbery books, and I would consider Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze to be one of its most deservedly proud offerings. The tenderly detailed descriptions of Young Fu's life and of the entire Chinese experience of the time period is enchanted and wonderful, and I happily lapped up every last moment of it. One of the longer Newbery Medal winners, this book nevertheless holds the reader's attention very well throughout with its enlightening and adventures stories, as well as the humor and wit with which Elizabeth Lewis has liberally leavened the plot from beginning to finish.
Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze is a joy to read, and a joy to own.
June 30, 2021
"My own opinion is that youth is much the same the world over, regardless of race or color. ... If I had any one desire or purpose in writing 'Young Fu', it was that [American children] might recognize in the youth of China this kinship to themselves." --from Elizabeth Foreman Lewis' Newbery Medal acceptance speech for Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze.
I really enjoyed this story Young Fu is a well-drawn character and I enjoyed learning a little about 1920s China through his adventures as well as the Notes which compared the story to China in the present day. Young Fu has an "overweening pride and a hot temper" and while he makes mistakes, he has the support of adults who care for him.
Two favorite quotes: "Knowest thou not that the treasure of knowledge is to be revered for itself alone? It has been given that men might learn how to live, not to win fortune. What is fortune without wisdom?"
"Character is made by rising above one's misfortunes."
I really enjoyed this story Young Fu is a well-drawn character and I enjoyed learning a little about 1920s China through his adventures as well as the Notes which compared the story to China in the present day. Young Fu has an "overweening pride and a hot temper" and while he makes mistakes, he has the support of adults who care for him.
Two favorite quotes: "Knowest thou not that the treasure of knowledge is to be revered for itself alone? It has been given that men might learn how to live, not to win fortune. What is fortune without wisdom?"
"Character is made by rising above one's misfortunes."
July 18, 2022
The book is about a boy who used to live on a farm but had moved to the city. This book not just focuses on the character but also focuses on what happened during that time for example, when people, in the town first saw a car or a bus, since they were relatively new technology. The book also focuses on what the people also believe in. I recommend this book to anyone interested in history and culture.
May 13, 2023
A great addition to our homeschool reading about China prior to the World Wars. Recommend for anyone studying that period.
December 4, 2024
This reminded me of living in Taiwan for 9 years and learning a different culture. The story gets a bit didactic in parts but there is plenty of adventure and descriptions of life. A fun read for me.
September 28, 2020
A well written and inspirational story of a young boy becoming a man during a changing time in Chinese history. Young Fu learned many lessons about pride and anger that we would all do well to learn from books rather than experience. You truly got a feel for life in a turn of the century Chinese city.
February 5, 2025
Another surprising gem from the long-forgotten list of 1930’s Newbery winners. Great coming-of-age story.
July 13, 2014
So far, this is definitely my favorite of the “old Newberys,” winning the award in 1933.
Set in China in the 1920’s, the book combines worthwhile themes with very memorable characters with some Chinese history and culture, and even adds some sophisticated wry humor to the mix.
I feared midway that Young Fu was too good (actually, too "blessed"—my term) to be believable, and was glad that I was wrong. Likewise, my favorite character, Tang, is almost too wise to be real, but the bitterness that he “had to eat” (the Chinese term) in his youth could well have made him so. Tang’s mentoring in honesty, pride, and hard work is invaluable to Young Fu; much of the gentle humor in the book comes from interactions between the two—a wonderful way for a mentor to be.
The book is listed for grades fourth through eighth, but I would recommend the middle school years for some of its events. The two violent scenes are handled appropriately, and are necessary to give Young Fu’s adopted city of Chungking realism.
China in the 21st century is so very different from the China of Young Fu’s time, yet some of its seeds can be found in this Newbery.
Set in China in the 1920’s, the book combines worthwhile themes with very memorable characters with some Chinese history and culture, and even adds some sophisticated wry humor to the mix.
I feared midway that Young Fu was too good (actually, too "blessed"—my term) to be believable, and was glad that I was wrong. Likewise, my favorite character, Tang, is almost too wise to be real, but the bitterness that he “had to eat” (the Chinese term) in his youth could well have made him so. Tang’s mentoring in honesty, pride, and hard work is invaluable to Young Fu; much of the gentle humor in the book comes from interactions between the two—a wonderful way for a mentor to be.
The book is listed for grades fourth through eighth, but I would recommend the middle school years for some of its events. The two violent scenes are handled appropriately, and are necessary to give Young Fu’s adopted city of Chungking realism.
China in the 21st century is so very different from the China of Young Fu’s time, yet some of its seeds can be found in this Newbery.
April 11, 2021
I was pretty sure I was going to hate this Newbery book, since I hate a lot of them, but this one turned out to be not so bad. Each chapter was part of an overarching plot, but they were also their own vignettes. The time period was early 1900s. Young Fu and his mom are headed to the city because Young Fu's father died and they couldn't keep the farm on their own. Young Fu's mom gets him an apprenticeship with a good, fair man named Tang who is a coppersmith. This is Young Fu's story being an apprentice and learning to find his own feet in the city. He makes big errors and learns from them.
Sometimes he gets over confident at his job and has to eat humble pie, one time he earns money selling snow. At other times he saves the shop and helps his friends. He's not perfect but he tries hard.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. I honestly can't think of any good reason for reading it besides those on the Newbery Quest. For the most part though, I enjoyed it.
QUOTES
It is better to remain ignorant than to know what is incorrect.
No man can rule the unruly unless he first rules himself.
Medicines are bitter in the mouth but they cure sickness.
Sometimes he gets over confident at his job and has to eat humble pie, one time he earns money selling snow. At other times he saves the shop and helps his friends. He's not perfect but he tries hard.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. I honestly can't think of any good reason for reading it besides those on the Newbery Quest. For the most part though, I enjoyed it.
QUOTES
It is better to remain ignorant than to know what is incorrect.
No man can rule the unruly unless he first rules himself.
Medicines are bitter in the mouth but they cure sickness.
July 24, 2014
I have to admit that when I first picked Young Fu it up off of the shelf in my school library, I muttered an unrepeatable word under my breath. Not only was it another Newbery set in the Far East (the previous winners set in Asia were usualy boring, and sometimes a bit racist) but it was a thick, heavy book. Luckily though, the size was misleading. The way it was printed makes it look like a 500-600 page novel, but in reality it was really about 250 pages. For me the story was absolutely charming. I loved Young Fu, as a character and I was totally absorbed into his adventures in Chungking. His journey from boyhood to manhood made for a good story. I feel like the Elizabeth Foreman Lewis had a good grasp of Chinese culture. I didn't find the book racist or condescending at all. It is one of my favorites of the 30's so far.
September 15, 2008
This was surprisingly enjoyable, given that the premise wasn't too different from DOBRY (but then, I'd always heard this was good). I thought the atmosphere was great--you really get an idea of what the streets of Chungking were like. And I thought Young Fu aged very seamlessly and believably during the book. I don't know anything about its accuracy/appropriation/cultural goodness. Will have to look up this new edition with the foreword by Katherine Paterson.
November 9, 2013
I thought I would blast through this, considering that its a kid's book. It was a bit laborious at times, though. I think this is mainly due to the fact that it was written in 1932, and the manner of speaking was true to the culture--it just didn't always flow easily, but I think writing it otherwise would sacrifice too much. My having to read it only a few pages at a time did not help. Not my favorite, but overall it was enjoyable.
July 23, 2016
Lewis did live in China and did know people like the ones she wrote about. I think that is why the book was so surprisingly enjoyable to me - it was authentic; a reader can feel a real empathy for the characters.
March 10, 2020
It's hard to rate a book that I think is wonderful, but I don't think I'll remember it much. So . . . my question: is being memorable a criteria of a "good book"? Well, that's a question for another day, because I remember some really bad books, whether I like it or not.
Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze is one of those books that adults on the Newbery Award committees seem to love; I'm sure some kids have enjoyed it, but I can't imagine most of them picking it off a shelf. Maybe I underestimate kids. This book takes the reader into a life that we wouldn't be able to imagine, a part of China in 1909, give or take (per Pearl Buck's introduction), and the life of a country boy who ends up in the big city of Chungking with his mother, as an apprentice to a coppersmith. Tang is the skilled and wise coppersmith, and in each chapter Young Fu has a fresh adventure, showing the way he reacts to different situations.
Young Fu, an honorable boy, nevertheless gets into some predictable troubles due to his naiveté; still, overall, we see him grow into a principled and curious young man. The story has many other key characters, and all those relationships keep the book rolling along, and kept me interested in what will happen next.
One of the things I liked the best about it was the many aphorisms, or quotes from their great philosophers, which are all quite wise and inspiring. If this book is representative, their religion was very superstitious (don't look at or help at a fire, because some god will thereafter harass you with bad fortune; streets have many odd and angular corners rather than straight lines, because it was believed that bad spirits would get caught in the corners, whereas straight streets would give them free rein, like a runaway horse; foreigners are all bad luck) -- but also, at least as these sayings would indicate, very practical as a guide to a good life as a good citizen. I wrote down those I found (I probably missed a few, even though I went back to find some).
According to Wikipedia, the Three-Character Classic "is not one of the traditional six Confucian classics, but rather the embodiment of Confucianism suitable for teaching young children." It could be that all the sayings are from the Three-Character Classic, which is also referred to as the San-Tz-Ching (specifically mentioned below). And here they are:
Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze is one of those books that adults on the Newbery Award committees seem to love; I'm sure some kids have enjoyed it, but I can't imagine most of them picking it off a shelf. Maybe I underestimate kids. This book takes the reader into a life that we wouldn't be able to imagine, a part of China in 1909, give or take (per Pearl Buck's introduction), and the life of a country boy who ends up in the big city of Chungking with his mother, as an apprentice to a coppersmith. Tang is the skilled and wise coppersmith, and in each chapter Young Fu has a fresh adventure, showing the way he reacts to different situations.
Young Fu, an honorable boy, nevertheless gets into some predictable troubles due to his naiveté; still, overall, we see him grow into a principled and curious young man. The story has many other key characters, and all those relationships keep the book rolling along, and kept me interested in what will happen next.
One of the things I liked the best about it was the many aphorisms, or quotes from their great philosophers, which are all quite wise and inspiring. If this book is representative, their religion was very superstitious (don't look at or help at a fire, because some god will thereafter harass you with bad fortune; streets have many odd and angular corners rather than straight lines, because it was believed that bad spirits would get caught in the corners, whereas straight streets would give them free rein, like a runaway horse; foreigners are all bad luck) -- but also, at least as these sayings would indicate, very practical as a guide to a good life as a good citizen. I wrote down those I found (I probably missed a few, even though I went back to find some).
According to Wikipedia, the Three-Character Classic "is not one of the traditional six Confucian classics, but rather the embodiment of Confucianism suitable for teaching young children." It could be that all the sayings are from the Three-Character Classic, which is also referred to as the San-Tz-Ching (specifically mentioned below). And here they are:
“There is no merit worthy of boasting.” Wang Scholar to Young Fu when he brags about learning to write some characters. 53
“Learn, as should any good student, the first sentence from the San-Tz-Ching: ‘At birth, men are by nature good of heart.’” Wang Scholar to Young Fu. 54
“If a man’s affairs are to prosper, it is simply a matter of purpose.” A sentence that Wang Scholar had taught Young Fu to write. 64 (On p. 66 his boss says the same thing to him.)
“When in trouble, silence is the best refuge.” Wang Scholar to Young Fu. 112
Yung Fu: The coward mistakes a rock for a tiger. 127
Tang, the coppersmith: “Disaster falls on those who try hardest to avoid it.” 132
(Father ling, impoverished because of war:) “Character is made by rising above one’s misfortunes.” 149
Wang scholar had a saying, “No man can rule the unruly until he first rules himself.” 164
The shallow teapot does the most spouting, and boils dry most quickly!
Fu Be Be, young Fu’s mother. 167
“Only the man who can eat the bitterness of bitterness can become the hero of heroes!”
The coppersmith, Tang, who takes Young Fu on as an apprentice. 178 (Also, on p. 42, a coolie – who carries burdens – is described as an eating-bitterness man because of his hard life)
“He who rides on a tiger cannot dismount when he pleases.”
A saying of Tang’s which Young Fu remembers when he loses money gambling. 187
“Medicines are bitter in the mouth, but they cure sickness.”
Tang to Young Fu when Young Fu shows humility. 197
“No man is entirely devoid of goodness, and the princely man is tolerant of other men’s weaknesses.” Wang Scholar, when Young Fu confesses how much he despises Den. 205
“Disease enters by way of the mouth; most of men’s troubles come out of it.”
Tang, to the accountant who tried to cast suspicion on Young Fu because of a theft. 215
“The monkey looks in a mirror and wonders at the charm of his own reflection.” Old Tsu in the coppersmith’s workshop, to Young Fu, who was being overly proud and impudent. 227
“The superior man finds pleasure in doing what is uncongenial.” Tang to Young Fu, about learning to enjoy a task which he thought was below him. 249blockquote>
March 2, 2019
This was a great book about the realistic self-discovery a teen trying to live his best life in the larger tumultuous climate of a country in the midst of a revolution. I really liked the incorporation of Chinese culture and values.
Some other good books to read that are similar to 'Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze':
1) Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang: This book centered on the life of a young girl in Communist China, and followed her through the many heaving changes that swept through the nation, rocking it to its core. 'Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze' shows us a little bit of the soon-to-come Communist attitude that would take hold of China, especially it's youths ,the Red Guards.
2) The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan: This book is a series of anecdotal stories about the lives of four pairs of mother and daughter. It mainly centers on the story immigrating from China, due to struggles of war and political upheaval, to America. There dynamic between Chinese mothers and American-born daughters is presented with beautiful emotion. Similar to the story of Young Fu, many traditional Chinese values are highlighted and also challenged, such as respecting and obeying esteemed elders.
3) Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes: This book is less so connected to 'YFUY' historically or culturally, and moreso because of the similarities I found between Young Fu and Johnny Tremain. Both are artisans, makers of weapons and brass/silverworks, and both face trials and challenges on their journey to maturity.
Some other good books to read that are similar to 'Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze':
1) Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang: This book centered on the life of a young girl in Communist China, and followed her through the many heaving changes that swept through the nation, rocking it to its core. 'Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze' shows us a little bit of the soon-to-come Communist attitude that would take hold of China, especially it's youths ,the Red Guards.
2) The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan: This book is a series of anecdotal stories about the lives of four pairs of mother and daughter. It mainly centers on the story immigrating from China, due to struggles of war and political upheaval, to America. There dynamic between Chinese mothers and American-born daughters is presented with beautiful emotion. Similar to the story of Young Fu, many traditional Chinese values are highlighted and also challenged, such as respecting and obeying esteemed elders.
3) Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes: This book is less so connected to 'YFUY' historically or culturally, and moreso because of the similarities I found between Young Fu and Johnny Tremain. Both are artisans, makers of weapons and brass/silverworks, and both face trials and challenges on their journey to maturity.
November 14, 2022
"Ever since that day centuries ago when an Empress had first bound her feet and then named the crippled results Golden Lilies, all of China's women had followed the fashion. He, Young Fu, was glad that his mother's feet were small; that she was not a coolie woman was plain for all to see."
Another amazing youth classic novel set in Chungking, China in the 1920s! Young Fu and his recently widowed mother arrive in the city from the farmlands searching for income and a destiny. His mother can hardly work with her bound feet and it is up to Young Fu to find a way to provide for them both. In a time right before communism arose, a mother and son find a way to survive in urban China.
Timeless coming of age story, my son and I enjoyed the interesting, Chinese history and the kindness of strangers and the unexpected and deep friendships found in this novel. Young Fu makes a lot of mistakes as he finds himself, but through it all he learns and grows into a good man. It was an inspiring book!
Another amazing youth classic novel set in Chungking, China in the 1920s! Young Fu and his recently widowed mother arrive in the city from the farmlands searching for income and a destiny. His mother can hardly work with her bound feet and it is up to Young Fu to find a way to provide for them both. In a time right before communism arose, a mother and son find a way to survive in urban China.
Timeless coming of age story, my son and I enjoyed the interesting, Chinese history and the kindness of strangers and the unexpected and deep friendships found in this novel. Young Fu makes a lot of mistakes as he finds himself, but through it all he learns and grows into a good man. It was an inspiring book!
May 20, 2020
China is in transition. One dynasty has fallen and the Nationalists are taking over. There is still little difference between soldiers and bandits in Chungking where Young Fu is now apprenticed to a leading coppersmith named Tang.
WWII and the Japanese are still years away as is Mao Tse-Tung. Foot binding is still the norm for little girls. Modern medicine is still a foreign idea and foreigners are unusual people rarely seen and not highly esteemed as their dress and manners are so different from those of the Chinese.
This Newbery winning book is a fascinating look at this China on the brink of modernizing. It is easy to read. Occasionally Fu's gullibility gets frustrating. His job takes him all over the city meeting people from many walks of life and social castes.
Although the book is set in the past, the origin of so many Chinese customs and behaviors are influenced by these old ideas and customs. This makes the book worth reading for everyone.
WWII and the Japanese are still years away as is Mao Tse-Tung. Foot binding is still the norm for little girls. Modern medicine is still a foreign idea and foreigners are unusual people rarely seen and not highly esteemed as their dress and manners are so different from those of the Chinese.
This Newbery winning book is a fascinating look at this China on the brink of modernizing. It is easy to read. Occasionally Fu's gullibility gets frustrating. His job takes him all over the city meeting people from many walks of life and social castes.
Although the book is set in the past, the origin of so many Chinese customs and behaviors are influenced by these old ideas and customs. This makes the book worth reading for everyone.
March 5, 2020
Brilliantly written book about China 100 years ago by a foreigner who actually lived there during that time period. Captivating and full of adventure as Young Fu grows from a country boy of 13 to a mature 18 year old journeyman, under coppersmith Tang's tutelage. In some of the chapters he emerged as the hero and in others he dealt with the undesired consequences of his blunders.
So many cultural and historical insights contained within the pages of this book that were fascinating to me as a foreigner who lived in China for 20 years. A great book to read outloud to my 6th grade Chinese son and talk about issues like foot binding, superstition, arranged marriages, gambling, and bandits. Notes at the end of the book (2006) provide interesting commentary on changes in China since the book was written in 1934.
Highly recommend.
So many cultural and historical insights contained within the pages of this book that were fascinating to me as a foreigner who lived in China for 20 years. A great book to read outloud to my 6th grade Chinese son and talk about issues like foot binding, superstition, arranged marriages, gambling, and bandits. Notes at the end of the book (2006) provide interesting commentary on changes in China since the book was written in 1934.
Highly recommend.
May 15, 2021
They don't write stories like this anymore (mostly—there are some current treasures; I never want to be one of those old grouches who can't appreciate all the good stuff being created right now). But still, there's a charming, honest, wholesome quality to this that I miss. I know so little about China in any time period, so this peek into its transition from empire to government in the early 1900s was fascinating. Young Fu is such a great character—hot-headed and proud but also brave, loyal, and hungering to be honorable and wise. And Tang! Love that man. Good insights into human nature abound in this book. Also, the idea of a young kid moving to a big city and being so excited and enthralled by it, and then realizing it can be hard but still loving it...well, it resonates with me.
"That Su is a rotten egg all men know, but that wrongs should be mended in that fashion is for me a question. It is not likely that the coolies who were given Su's treasures today were robbed in the past by his ban-keh."
"That Su is a rotten egg all men know, but that wrongs should be mended in that fashion is for me a question. It is not likely that the coolies who were given Su's treasures today were robbed in the past by his ban-keh."
December 31, 2020
In the 1920s, Young Fu and his mother move from the country in to the city of Chungking. He is apprenticed for seven years to a coppersmith, an adjustment that is difficult at first but eventually becomes a source of humble pride and accomplishment. He has a number of adventures out in the city, often getting himself into trouble but always learning from his experiences.
This book is an excellent way for young (and not so young) people today to get a taste for Early 20th century Chinese culture and way of life. I quite enjoyed it, even at my not-so-young age.
This book is an excellent way for young (and not so young) people today to get a taste for Early 20th century Chinese culture and way of life. I quite enjoyed it, even at my not-so-young age.
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