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Red Thread Sisters
A poignant and compelling story of friendship, family, and love
Wen has spent the first eleven years of her life at an orphanage in rural China, and the only person she would call family is her best friend, Shu Ling. When Wen is adopted by an American couple, she struggles to adjust to every part of her new life: having access to all the food and clothes she could want, going to school, being someone's daughter. But the hardest part of all is knowing that Shu Ling remains back at the orphanage, alone. Wen knows that her best friend deserves a family and a future, too. But finding a home for Shu Ling isn't easy, and time is running out . . .
Wen has spent the first eleven years of her life at an orphanage in rural China, and the only person she would call family is her best friend, Shu Ling. When Wen is adopted by an American couple, she struggles to adjust to every part of her new life: having access to all the food and clothes she could want, going to school, being someone's daughter. But the hardest part of all is knowing that Shu Ling remains back at the orphanage, alone. Wen knows that her best friend deserves a family and a future, too. But finding a home for Shu Ling isn't easy, and time is running out . . .
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2012
50 people are currently reading
838 people want to read
About the author
Carol Antoinette Peacock
7 books23 followersI grew up in Maryland, in a suburb outside of Washington D.C. I am the oldest of three children in a family who loved books. I wanted to be a writer since I was eleven. Decades later, I am now a practicing psychologist and author of six books. I earned a BA at Cornell University, a Masters of Social Work from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in Psychology at Boston College.
My first book, Hand Me Down Dreams (Schocken, 1981), was praised in the New York Times Book Review and was optioned for CBS film rights. The book is an account of my work with four troubled adolescent girls who are able to break family patterns and create new lives for themselves.
Next, I wrote Sugar Was My Best Food: Diabetes and Me (Whitman, 1998), the story of how a boy copes with diabetes. This book was featured on "Good Morning America," National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," People Magazine, The New York Times, and The Boston Globe. It earned a Parent's Choice Approved Commendation and was listed in Bank Street College's "Best of Children's Books 1999," and the American Association of the Advancement of Science's "Best Science Books for Children."
My children's picture book, Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story (Whitman, 2000) was named a 2001 Notable Social Trade Book for Young People. Mommy Far is the story of how my own adopted daughter confronts having two mothers.
Pilgrim Cat(Whitman 2004) is an historical fiction picture book about a cat that sailed on the Mayflower and then settles into life at Plimoth Plantation. The story was featured on The Discovery Channel's "Animal Planet" series in February 2011. My middle grade nonfiction book, Death and Dying (Scholastic Library Press, 2004)is part of a mental health series for readers aged 10-13 and offers coping strategies for grief and loss.
I've also written articles about my use of my dogs in psychotherapy. My pet therapy has been cited in The New York Times (8/23/86), Time Magazine (3/30/87) and The Boston Globe (12/16/88, 1/17/2002).
I currently practices at Mt. Auburn Counseling Associates, where I specialize in treating children and families, along with her black Lab, Pepper, as her co-therapist. My latest book, Red Thread Sisters (Viking/Penguin, 2012) a middle grade novel, is the story of two friends, one who is adopted from a Chinese orphanage and promises to find her friend a family too. The book was awarded
A Parents Choice Recommendation and cited as An Indiebound Kids' Next, Winter '12 Selection.
I live outside of Boston with my husband, a history teacher with the Boston Public Schools. Her family includes her stepson, her oldest daughter, Elizabeth, 20, and her youngest daughter, Katherine, 19. My family also includes Pepper, four cats and two turtles.
My first book, Hand Me Down Dreams (Schocken, 1981), was praised in the New York Times Book Review and was optioned for CBS film rights. The book is an account of my work with four troubled adolescent girls who are able to break family patterns and create new lives for themselves.
Next, I wrote Sugar Was My Best Food: Diabetes and Me (Whitman, 1998), the story of how a boy copes with diabetes. This book was featured on "Good Morning America," National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," People Magazine, The New York Times, and The Boston Globe. It earned a Parent's Choice Approved Commendation and was listed in Bank Street College's "Best of Children's Books 1999," and the American Association of the Advancement of Science's "Best Science Books for Children."
My children's picture book, Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story (Whitman, 2000) was named a 2001 Notable Social Trade Book for Young People. Mommy Far is the story of how my own adopted daughter confronts having two mothers.
Pilgrim Cat(Whitman 2004) is an historical fiction picture book about a cat that sailed on the Mayflower and then settles into life at Plimoth Plantation. The story was featured on The Discovery Channel's "Animal Planet" series in February 2011. My middle grade nonfiction book, Death and Dying (Scholastic Library Press, 2004)is part of a mental health series for readers aged 10-13 and offers coping strategies for grief and loss.
I've also written articles about my use of my dogs in psychotherapy. My pet therapy has been cited in The New York Times (8/23/86), Time Magazine (3/30/87) and The Boston Globe (12/16/88, 1/17/2002).
I currently practices at Mt. Auburn Counseling Associates, where I specialize in treating children and families, along with her black Lab, Pepper, as her co-therapist. My latest book, Red Thread Sisters (Viking/Penguin, 2012) a middle grade novel, is the story of two friends, one who is adopted from a Chinese orphanage and promises to find her friend a family too. The book was awarded
A Parents Choice Recommendation and cited as An Indiebound Kids' Next, Winter '12 Selection.
I live outside of Boston with my husband, a history teacher with the Boston Public Schools. Her family includes her stepson, her oldest daughter, Elizabeth, 20, and her youngest daughter, Katherine, 19. My family also includes Pepper, four cats and two turtles.
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April 13, 2013I wrote this book! Red Thread Sisters will be published on October 11, 2012. Hope you love it!
October 16, 2012
This is a beautifully written, emotionally stirring middle grade novel that readers of all ages can enjoy. Wen is adopted from a Chinese orphanage by an American family, and she's determined to keep her promise to Shu Ling, her best friend from the orphanage, and find Shu Ling a family too. Shu Ling's club foot and her age (13) make her an unlikely candidate, it seems, but Wen goes to great lengths to advocate for her friend. I learned so much about the complexities of international adoption (particularly the adoption of older children); the meticulously researched details were as fascinating as the powerful story of friendship and family bonds. I enjoyed the cast of strong characters and the poignant and humorous moments (such as a scene when Wen searches for a forever family for her friend in an American McDonalds, and another scene when Wen blissfully consumes all different brands of Halloween candy for the first time, while trying to navigate the complex dynamics of new friendships). Emotionally powerful scenes deliver just the right impact, avoiding easy sentimentalism. An important book, and a must-have for school libraries.
February 13, 2015
WIIA: A Chinese orphan who becomes adopted, has to get used to American life and her new family, but mostly about her trying to find a home for her friend in China also a orphan.
Pros: Sweet book, inspiring. The author was mediocre, but I enjoyed reading.
Cons: I would gauge the reading level to more geared for 9-12, so some parts we somewhat boring. It was sad to here about how Wen, the orphan was left by her mother! I cried :(
Iffy: This is a clean book, divorce is mentioned, but unfortunately that is a common thing now days.
Pros: Sweet book, inspiring. The author was mediocre, but I enjoyed reading.
Cons: I would gauge the reading level to more geared for 9-12, so some parts we somewhat boring. It was sad to here about how Wen, the orphan was left by her mother! I cried :(
Iffy: This is a clean book, divorce is mentioned, but unfortunately that is a common thing now days.
February 8, 2015
Four words: I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! this book made my heart do little jumps of joy when I read it. At some parts I felt like I would never be able to put the book down!:)
April 21, 2017
Wen is getting a new family in America but she has to leave Shu Ling at the foster home, she makes a promise to get her a new family. Wen has problems being with her family, she doesn't understand and is scared that she will be sent back. She is waiting for the sign but once she gets it she wants to help her friend but her dad gets laid off and she doesn't consider her family her real one. Time is running, will Wen be able to keep her promise?
I love this book because it is interesting and I have never read a book like that. It is funny because it is a new girl in America. I would recommend this book to people in the ages between 9 and 14.
I love this book because it is interesting and I have never read a book like that. It is funny because it is a new girl in America. I would recommend this book to people in the ages between 9 and 14.
February 28, 2014
“An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break.” Carol Antoinette Peacock’s book Red Thread Sisters, was wonderful because it gave off a longing, heartwarming feel and gives hope to the reader. This book if foot stomping awesome.
This book uses a different point of view than most books. This story is told through the point of view of the main character, a young Chinese girl named Wen. When Wen gets adopted by an American family, she just doesn't let herself adjust quickly. Even though she gets adopted and is starting to get settled in with her new, loving family, Wen is still on the hunt for another family. This one is for her very best friend, Shu Ling who is still back at the orphanage with a club foot and only 7 weeks left to be adopted before she grows too old.
Carol really makes every character in this book relate to a person that almost everyone knows. The personalities and actions are all very unique for everyone. The ants at the orphanage don't all fit the stereotypes, making the story interesting. Same thing is portrayed with Wen's family and friends. Every character in the book contributes to the plot perfectly.
I recommend Red Thread Sisters to absolutely everyone. It allows the en-cite of a person and lets you live with them on their journey to a new country, with a new family, to start a new life.
This book uses a different point of view than most books. This story is told through the point of view of the main character, a young Chinese girl named Wen. When Wen gets adopted by an American family, she just doesn't let herself adjust quickly. Even though she gets adopted and is starting to get settled in with her new, loving family, Wen is still on the hunt for another family. This one is for her very best friend, Shu Ling who is still back at the orphanage with a club foot and only 7 weeks left to be adopted before she grows too old.
Carol really makes every character in this book relate to a person that almost everyone knows. The personalities and actions are all very unique for everyone. The ants at the orphanage don't all fit the stereotypes, making the story interesting. Same thing is portrayed with Wen's family and friends. Every character in the book contributes to the plot perfectly.
I recommend Red Thread Sisters to absolutely everyone. It allows the en-cite of a person and lets you live with them on their journey to a new country, with a new family, to start a new life.
July 19, 2013
Red Thread Sisters by Carol Antoinette Peacock – Realistic Fiction, 4th grade and up – I just loved, no hated, no loved reading the perspective of an impoverished child living in an orphanage in China, getting adopted by an American family, and committing to her best friend that she would find her a family as well. The angst and the anxiety this brilliant author put me through during the book was so powerful. I felt guilt over not knowing about some of the organizations for supporting children. I additionally appreciated the wonderful, loving families who adopt children, even when the children are older. I highly recommend this book for students (and adults) who want to enjoy a beautiful story filled with empathy, caring, and powerful friendship. Especially if they enjoy reading books with commitment mingled through.
November 11, 2016
I love love loved this book!
It was about this Chinese girl from an orphanage that was adopted by a family in America and had a hard time getting used to them when she barely knew English and left her best friend behind. This is a wonderful story about love, friendship and family and you will love it too!
It was about this Chinese girl from an orphanage that was adopted by a family in America and had a hard time getting used to them when she barely knew English and left her best friend behind. This is a wonderful story about love, friendship and family and you will love it too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2012
I really liked this book. I guess I had never really thought about how truly terrifying it must be to be an adopted older child and have to start over in a country where nothing is familiar. Wen was a great character and I wanted to hug her and tell her everything was going to be okay.
November 24, 2014
What a cute story of adoption and acceptance! This will definitely be a book I recommend to all my students!
March 28, 2017
Red Thread Sisters is a book about Wen, an orphan in China. She is adopted by an american family with a young daughter after eight years in the stuffy and crumbling orphanage. Before she embarks she says goodbye to her only friend Sheng Lu. During that sentimental time Wen promises to find Sheng Lu an american home. When she gets to her new house in America discovers a new language that she will half to learn. One day Wen calls her old orphanage and talks to Sheng Lu and finds out that she will soon age out of the program and half to live on the street. Can she find Sheng Lu a home before she is left to fend for herself?
I really liked this book. I rated it four stars because everything was very exaggerated which was unbelievable at times. But overall it was a great book. I would recommend this to anyone who likes realistic fiction.
I really liked this book. I rated it four stars because everything was very exaggerated which was unbelievable at times. But overall it was a great book. I would recommend this to anyone who likes realistic fiction.
August 13, 2020
I loved it. It's sweet and adorable and heart melting. I love Wen. I love everything about this book. Read it.
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December 8, 2014Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age: 10+ years old
Summary: "Red Thread Sisters" is a book about a girl Chinese orphan Wen, who gets adopted by an American family. Her best friend the orphanage, Shu Ling has to stay back in the orphanage while Wen goes with her new family. The girls must deal with being apart and Wen tells Shu Ling that she will find her a family in America. Wen has to deal with all the cultural changes and overcome especially the language barrier with her and her family. The whole time Wen is in America she is on the lookout for a family for Shu Ling. Shu Ling only has 7 weeks left before she will be taken off the adoption list because she is too old.
Comments:
This a heartwarming and heart breaking story of family, sisters and growing up. Wen goes through a lot of joys and sorrows about leaving her best friend, but she ends up living a great life with her new family in America which goes to show that older orphan children need to be adopted as well as babies. There are so many children who need families all over the world.
Observations:
The friendship and love between Shu Ling and Wen when Wen has to leave to go with her new family. This is especially seen when Wen is telling Shu Ling all the things she should and should not do when she has to leave.
Questions:
What would have changed in the story if it was Shu Ling who got adopted instead of Wen? Would Shu Ling have looked for a family for Wen? What if she didn't or what if she did?
Use in Classroom:
This book can be used to talk about China and the conditions as well as how to help children in orphanages. Also the teacher could try and set up a pen pal program between the students and orphans in another country.
Theme:
The theme of this book is the power of friendship. Wen and Shu Ling never gave up on each other even when times got tough for them being apart. This book shows how even loving someone from a distance can be enough.
Criticism:
I wish this book went in to more detail about the orphanage the two girls came from and the conditions and struggles they went through living in the orphanage. This book is a great lesson on true friendship.
Format: Chapter Book
Socioeconomic Status: The girls in the orphanage are poor and the reader gets to see how different life is for them based on their SES. When Wen goes with her new family in America, she is overwhelmed with how different they live based on their SES.
Race/Ethnicity: These girls are based in Singapore. Their culture is much different from here in America so this book will help to teach readers about Singapore as it is weaved within the story.
Gender: This book is about teenage girls and the issues the girls must deal with. Although this book is a special circumstance, many teenage girls will be able to relate to the problems the girls deal with.
Citation: Peacock, C. (2012). Red thread sisters. New York: Viking.
Age: 10+ years old
Summary: "Red Thread Sisters" is a book about a girl Chinese orphan Wen, who gets adopted by an American family. Her best friend the orphanage, Shu Ling has to stay back in the orphanage while Wen goes with her new family. The girls must deal with being apart and Wen tells Shu Ling that she will find her a family in America. Wen has to deal with all the cultural changes and overcome especially the language barrier with her and her family. The whole time Wen is in America she is on the lookout for a family for Shu Ling. Shu Ling only has 7 weeks left before she will be taken off the adoption list because she is too old.
Comments:
This a heartwarming and heart breaking story of family, sisters and growing up. Wen goes through a lot of joys and sorrows about leaving her best friend, but she ends up living a great life with her new family in America which goes to show that older orphan children need to be adopted as well as babies. There are so many children who need families all over the world.
Observations:
The friendship and love between Shu Ling and Wen when Wen has to leave to go with her new family. This is especially seen when Wen is telling Shu Ling all the things she should and should not do when she has to leave.
Questions:
What would have changed in the story if it was Shu Ling who got adopted instead of Wen? Would Shu Ling have looked for a family for Wen? What if she didn't or what if she did?
Use in Classroom:
This book can be used to talk about China and the conditions as well as how to help children in orphanages. Also the teacher could try and set up a pen pal program between the students and orphans in another country.
Theme:
The theme of this book is the power of friendship. Wen and Shu Ling never gave up on each other even when times got tough for them being apart. This book shows how even loving someone from a distance can be enough.
Criticism:
I wish this book went in to more detail about the orphanage the two girls came from and the conditions and struggles they went through living in the orphanage. This book is a great lesson on true friendship.
Format: Chapter Book
Socioeconomic Status: The girls in the orphanage are poor and the reader gets to see how different life is for them based on their SES. When Wen goes with her new family in America, she is overwhelmed with how different they live based on their SES.
Race/Ethnicity: These girls are based in Singapore. Their culture is much different from here in America so this book will help to teach readers about Singapore as it is weaved within the story.
Gender: This book is about teenage girls and the issues the girls must deal with. Although this book is a special circumstance, many teenage girls will be able to relate to the problems the girls deal with.
Citation: Peacock, C. (2012). Red thread sisters. New York: Viking.
October 6, 2015
Maliha Khan
October 2, 2015
Book Review on Red Thread Sisters by Carol Antoinette Peacock
Summary
Red Thread Sisters by Carol Antoinette Peacock is a realistic-fiction book about A eleven year old girl, named Wen who gets adopted and makes a promise to her best friend Shu-Ling that she would get her adopted by the time she turned twelve years old, but time is running out for Wen. Shu-Ling is turning fourteen and at that age you can’t get adopted anymore. Wen tries to find a new home for Shu-Ling, but will she do it fast enough?
My favorite pulled text from the book is:
“Remember our deal. Whoever got picked first would get a family for the other.” (Peacock 6)
This pulled text consists of two sentences. These sentences really demonstrates the whole objective from the story, because Wens promises to Shu-Ling that she will find her a family before she turns fourteen years old. I also really like this pulled text because it tells the readers how determined this 11 year old girl is to find her friend a home.
Characters
My favorite character is Wen, because she is a true friend. Wen is a eleven year old girl who has just gotten adopted but is immediately determined to find her best friend Shu-Ling a good home, just like hers. She wanted to keep her promise to her because she knew if Shu-Ling had gotten adopted before her she would do the same.
My least favorite character would have to be the director of the orphanage. He always told Shu-Ling she would never get adopted because she had a clubbed foot. That really made Shu-Ling lose self confidence. By the end of the story he manages to help Wen look for possible home for Shu-Ling.
I can’t really relate to some of the characters in Red Thread Sisters. Wen is determined to find her friend a home, but me I have never been in a situation where I need to do something for someone that will affect their life dramatically.
Review
I really enjoyed Red Thread Sisters. The story is amazingly creative and the characters are amazingly inspiring. Despite the fact, that the book is really deep I really enjoyed the fact that the book was based of the author’s real experience with adoptions from Chinese orphanages. I hope they do either make a sequel to the book about Shu-Ling’s experience at the orphanage and her story or they make a movie because that would be a cool thing to see!
I recommend this book to novel/realistic fiction lovers. Anyone who like the book Wonder by AJ Palacio or Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage will absolutely love this story. These books can be really read by either girls or boys they can be effective either way. I read it in under one week!
************I give it four out of five stars
October 2, 2015
Book Review on Red Thread Sisters by Carol Antoinette Peacock
Summary
Red Thread Sisters by Carol Antoinette Peacock is a realistic-fiction book about A eleven year old girl, named Wen who gets adopted and makes a promise to her best friend Shu-Ling that she would get her adopted by the time she turned twelve years old, but time is running out for Wen. Shu-Ling is turning fourteen and at that age you can’t get adopted anymore. Wen tries to find a new home for Shu-Ling, but will she do it fast enough?
My favorite pulled text from the book is:
“Remember our deal. Whoever got picked first would get a family for the other.” (Peacock 6)
This pulled text consists of two sentences. These sentences really demonstrates the whole objective from the story, because Wens promises to Shu-Ling that she will find her a family before she turns fourteen years old. I also really like this pulled text because it tells the readers how determined this 11 year old girl is to find her friend a home.
Characters
My favorite character is Wen, because she is a true friend. Wen is a eleven year old girl who has just gotten adopted but is immediately determined to find her best friend Shu-Ling a good home, just like hers. She wanted to keep her promise to her because she knew if Shu-Ling had gotten adopted before her she would do the same.
My least favorite character would have to be the director of the orphanage. He always told Shu-Ling she would never get adopted because she had a clubbed foot. That really made Shu-Ling lose self confidence. By the end of the story he manages to help Wen look for possible home for Shu-Ling.
I can’t really relate to some of the characters in Red Thread Sisters. Wen is determined to find her friend a home, but me I have never been in a situation where I need to do something for someone that will affect their life dramatically.
Review
I really enjoyed Red Thread Sisters. The story is amazingly creative and the characters are amazingly inspiring. Despite the fact, that the book is really deep I really enjoyed the fact that the book was based of the author’s real experience with adoptions from Chinese orphanages. I hope they do either make a sequel to the book about Shu-Ling’s experience at the orphanage and her story or they make a movie because that would be a cool thing to see!
I recommend this book to novel/realistic fiction lovers. Anyone who like the book Wonder by AJ Palacio or Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage will absolutely love this story. These books can be really read by either girls or boys they can be effective either way. I read it in under one week!
************I give it four out of five stars
December 9, 2014
Red Thread Sisters is about two girls in an orphanage in China who have grown up together and become best friends, Wen and Shu Ling. They have never been anywhere but the orphanage and are approaching the age where no one wants to adopt them because they are too old. But one day Wen gets adopted and moves to Boston in America. Wen promises Shu Ling that she will come back for her and find her a family for her to love soon too. When Wen gets to the states she is faced with the struggles of missing her best friend, learning English, making new American friends, going to a new school, and learning new things and about her new family; even just having a family was hard for Wen. The hard times in this book show the connection that Wen will always have to Shu Ling, China, and how much she is struggling to become an American and keep her promises to her best friend who is so far away from her.
This book tells the reader all about the culture that these young girls have grown up in and the struggles they face with being apart and Wens’ struggles in learning a new culture so late in her childhood. Wen soon realizes that English is a hard language to understand and that having a new family and learning new things is harder that she thought it would be. Wen just wants to show her new family that she will not disappoint them and we soon realize that it is in Wen to be strong and show everything she is capable of accomplishing.
This books show authenticity through the title and the theme. The red thread sisters are the connection that Wen and Shu Ling have. They are connected and they met for a reason. Not all Americans will know the story of the Red Thread unless they look it up, read about it, or learn it in school. But these two girls grew up knowing that people come into their lives for a reason. They take this so far to heart that even though they are thousands of miles apart they will always be friends and help each other. This shows that in the Chinese culture they learned to always be there for others and to show respect, not disappoint or break promises, but also keep the relationships that were put into your life because they are all important.
This book shows the cultural issues with culture shock. When you move from one culture to another you go through shock and get overwhelmed. Wen does her best to adjust the best she can. The family that she becomes part of does a great job of understanding that changing her culture will be hard. This shows that the treatments of cultural issues in this book are strongly expressed.
This book includes minorities in a strong way. The young Chinese girl Wen moves from a town she has grown up in, in a completely different country, China, she becomes the minority in the town of Boston and within her American family.
This book tells the reader all about the culture that these young girls have grown up in and the struggles they face with being apart and Wens’ struggles in learning a new culture so late in her childhood. Wen soon realizes that English is a hard language to understand and that having a new family and learning new things is harder that she thought it would be. Wen just wants to show her new family that she will not disappoint them and we soon realize that it is in Wen to be strong and show everything she is capable of accomplishing.
This books show authenticity through the title and the theme. The red thread sisters are the connection that Wen and Shu Ling have. They are connected and they met for a reason. Not all Americans will know the story of the Red Thread unless they look it up, read about it, or learn it in school. But these two girls grew up knowing that people come into their lives for a reason. They take this so far to heart that even though they are thousands of miles apart they will always be friends and help each other. This shows that in the Chinese culture they learned to always be there for others and to show respect, not disappoint or break promises, but also keep the relationships that were put into your life because they are all important.
This book shows the cultural issues with culture shock. When you move from one culture to another you go through shock and get overwhelmed. Wen does her best to adjust the best she can. The family that she becomes part of does a great job of understanding that changing her culture will be hard. This shows that the treatments of cultural issues in this book are strongly expressed.
This book includes minorities in a strong way. The young Chinese girl Wen moves from a town she has grown up in, in a completely different country, China, she becomes the minority in the town of Boston and within her American family.
September 15, 2014
Compelling portrayal of international older child adoption. Wen, newly adopted from China, is 11 years old and struggles to connect to her new family, her mom, dad and younger sister, who was also adopted from China but as a baby. While trying to be brave and a good daughter so that her parents won't send her back, which is her greatest fear because that happened to another child at the orphanage while she was there, Wen also desperately wants to be reunited with her beloved friend in the orphanage Shu Ling, whose misshapen leg and age is believed to be a deal-breaker for her to be adopted internationally. Wen innocently promised Shu Ling that she would find a family for her too, and she feverishly works up the courage to ask her family to adopt Shu Ling, but it is impossible due to her father recently losing his job. Wen tries every other avenue open to her in her limited experience of suburban America. She approaches families in her neighborhood with Shu Ling's photo and canvasses the local McDonalds looking for a family that would welcome a Chinese daughter. As her search for a family for Shu Ling runs up against Shu Ling's fast approaching 13th birthday and the end of her adoption hopes, Wen struggles to show the affection she starts to feel for her new family while staying loyal to Shu Ling, the only family she has ever known. The ending may wrap up these two girls' worlds too neatly, but maybe not. There's authentic resilience here, there's anxiety and comfort here, there's the blending of family lost and found here. In the author's note, Peacock shares that while writing the novel she consulted the voices and experiences of many older Chinese adoptees and their parents, as well as drawing from her own experiences when adopting her two daughters from China. There is the ring of lived truth in her development of Wen and Shu Ling's bond that comes directly from the stories of adopted older children from China, and that gives this novel its realism and ultimately its power.
September 21, 2014
Wen is an 11 year old who has just been adopted by an American family. She is over filled with excitement but has a hard time being excited because she had to leave her friend Shu Ling behind. Before she left Wen promised Shu Ling that she would find her a family. Wen experiences all different types of things that are part of our American culture. She desperately wants to keep her promise to her friend; she even searches for a family at the local McDonald’s. Time is running out because Shu Ling will age out of the adoption agency being no longer adoptable.
I loved this thrilling and suspenseful book. It was heartwarming and hilarious. I could not put it down. Wen is an amazing character that portrays strength and determination. We hear all about her thoughts about how she truly feels about her new family and how she desperately wants to please them. Peacock has adopted children herself and Wen shows how in tune Peacock is with the struggles adopted children face. Wen is a believable character and you fall in love with her instantly. This book helps the reader see the point of view of newly adopted children and how they may identify with their new surroundings.
The only true weakness I can find in this fabulously written novel is the cover. The cover is too generic for this topic. It does not give the reader a sense of what the book is about. In a way it is deceiving.
I loved this thrilling and suspenseful book. It was heartwarming and hilarious. I could not put it down. Wen is an amazing character that portrays strength and determination. We hear all about her thoughts about how she truly feels about her new family and how she desperately wants to please them. Peacock has adopted children herself and Wen shows how in tune Peacock is with the struggles adopted children face. Wen is a believable character and you fall in love with her instantly. This book helps the reader see the point of view of newly adopted children and how they may identify with their new surroundings.
The only true weakness I can find in this fabulously written novel is the cover. The cover is too generic for this topic. It does not give the reader a sense of what the book is about. In a way it is deceiving.
August 23, 2015
Wen, an 11-year-old Chinese girl, has spent her years in an orphanage located in China. Her and her best friend/ mei-mei (sister), Shu Ling, are running out of time before being able to be adopted. Wen receives the opportunity to have a family in the U.S., and promises Shu Ling to find her a family. Wen goes through many adventure type ways in order to find Shu Ling a proper family.
I can relate to Wen's younger sister in her new family, because of her excitement towards Wen. She always wants to do more with her, like the way I try to with my sister. Sometimes I feel like Wen and Shu Ling does, when they are lonely and lost. I do sometimes feel like promises won't be kept and that not even my friends or family care.
I definitely loved the book, Red Thread Sisters, because I could relate to characters, and it got me worried and yet hopeful during the book. I don't necessary have a favorite part of the book, except for the times when Wen cared and helped Shu Ling. There were times when I felt really bad for Wen or Shu Ling and I wanted to cry really hard! But there wasn't really a part when I hated the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is n for a book full of emotions, especially the love shown. Also those who want to help and love all, no matter what!
I can relate to Wen's younger sister in her new family, because of her excitement towards Wen. She always wants to do more with her, like the way I try to with my sister. Sometimes I feel like Wen and Shu Ling does, when they are lonely and lost. I do sometimes feel like promises won't be kept and that not even my friends or family care.
I definitely loved the book, Red Thread Sisters, because I could relate to characters, and it got me worried and yet hopeful during the book. I don't necessary have a favorite part of the book, except for the times when Wen cared and helped Shu Ling. There were times when I felt really bad for Wen or Shu Ling and I wanted to cry really hard! But there wasn't really a part when I hated the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is n for a book full of emotions, especially the love shown. Also those who want to help and love all, no matter what!
March 20, 2014
"Red Thread Sisters" By Carol Antoinette Peacock is really good. It is about a girl named Wen. Wen is eleven years old. She lives in an orphanage with her best friend Shu Ling. When Wen's big day to get adopted comes, she has to leave Shu Ling. Wen promises her that once she gets to America she will find a family for Shu Ling. Right before Wen is about to leave Auntie Lan Lan (a worker at the orphanage) says to Wen on page 15 that "Its a very old story that goes like this: There is an invisible red thread that connects those who are destined to meet. No matter what place or circumstance, the red tread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break." Wen keeps this in mind as she tries to find a family in america for Shu Ling. After searching Wen realizes that Shu ling is almost to old to be adopted. She also realizes that learning English is hard. She needs to learn English to fin a family for Shu Ling. Can Wen get a family for Shu Ling in time? Can she learn enough English to talk to the family... if she ever finds one? This realistic fiction book is really interesting and, I would recommend it for young adults.
April 23, 2014
Wen is an 11 year old who has just been adopted by an American family. She is over filled with excitement but has a hard time being excited because she had to leave her friend Shu Ling behind. Before she left Wen promised Shu Ling that she would find her a family. Wen experiences all different types of things that are part of our American culture. She desperately wants to keep her promise to her friend; she even searches for a family at the local McDonald’s. Time is running out because Shu Ling will age out of the adoption agency being no longer adoptable.
I loved this thrilling and suspenseful book. It was heartwarming and hilarious. I could not put it down. Wen is an amazing character that portrays strength and determination. We hear all about her thoughts about how she truly feels about her new family and how she desperately wants to please them. Peacock has adopted children herself and Wen shows how in tune Peacock is with the struggles adopted children face. Wen is a believable character and you fall in love with her instantly. This book helps the reader see the point of view of newly adopted children and how they may identify with their new surroundings.
I loved this thrilling and suspenseful book. It was heartwarming and hilarious. I could not put it down. Wen is an amazing character that portrays strength and determination. We hear all about her thoughts about how she truly feels about her new family and how she desperately wants to please them. Peacock has adopted children herself and Wen shows how in tune Peacock is with the struggles adopted children face. Wen is a believable character and you fall in love with her instantly. This book helps the reader see the point of view of newly adopted children and how they may identify with their new surroundings.
December 10, 2014
Red Thread sisters by Carol Peacock is a heartwarming story about Wen, a young 11 year old girl who has lived her whole life in an small orphanage in a rural part of China. Here, she grow up with her best friend, Shu Ling in which they have made a promise to each other that whoever gets adopted first, will find the other one a home too. Soon after, Wen is adopted by a family and she is moved from China to her new home in America with a new mom, dad and little sister Emily. This story focuses of the changes that Wen goes through leaving her home in china and her grieving process of leaving her friend behind at the orphanage. While focusing on Wen’s new relationships with her family and classmates, it also shows Wen’s determination to find her best friend a home close to her. I could use this book in my teaching lessons and create a compare and contrast the different lifestyles that different religions and regions have in America. A common theme in this book is determination which is seen through Wen's character. I would recommend this book to readers in grades 4-8.
Peacock, C. A. (2012). Red thread sisters. New York City, NY: Viking/Penguin
Peacock, C. A. (2012). Red thread sisters. New York City, NY: Viking/Penguin
May 14, 2016
I first came across this in my (sort of) old school library, and it was one of the books to read in a book competition that I entered, and this one looked interesting, so I decided to try it.
It was wonderful!! Really gripped my heart and mind!!
Spoilers Ahead
Positive: I loved the WHOLE thing, but what made it special the most was the characters, and the story. I really like Wen, and her experiences with being in a new family especially, and her being determined to get Shu Ling a family before time ran out. I really like the VERY strong bond between Wen and Shu Ling. Wen really expressed her feelings throughout the whole story, and I love that! I also love the times she experienced with her new family. I love her family too: very kind, and helpful.
End of Spoilers
Negative: Nothing negative here!! :)
I think it's worth rereading, and I'm thinking about reading it sometime!
I recommend this book to orphans, my relatives, children and even adults, who love a heart warming, mind gripping story about very special bonds, and new experiences.
5 stars (definitely)!!! :)
It was wonderful!! Really gripped my heart and mind!!
Spoilers Ahead
Positive: I loved the WHOLE thing, but what made it special the most was the characters, and the story. I really like Wen, and her experiences with being in a new family especially, and her being determined to get Shu Ling a family before time ran out. I really like the VERY strong bond between Wen and Shu Ling. Wen really expressed her feelings throughout the whole story, and I love that! I also love the times she experienced with her new family. I love her family too: very kind, and helpful.
End of Spoilers
Negative: Nothing negative here!! :)
I think it's worth rereading, and I'm thinking about reading it sometime!
I recommend this book to orphans, my relatives, children and even adults, who love a heart warming, mind gripping story about very special bonds, and new experiences.
5 stars (definitely)!!! :)
December 9, 2014
Red thread sisters follows a young girl from china who is adopted by an American family. She leaves behind her best friend who is close to aging out of the foster care system. As she leaves for America, she vows to find a home for her friend so that they can be together once again. Upon arriving to America, she has no understanding of English and has trouble communicating with her family. She wants to get to school as quickly as she can however. As she struggles to adapt, she tries to connect to her family but has trouble expressing her feelings. She feels obligated to tell her mother that she loves her but can't bring herself to do it. This story is an amazing tale of the power of friendship and family. As a teaching tool, this can give students insight into the struggles foreign students have and the difficulties English language learners have in schools. Personally I found it to be an interesting read, I found myself thinking of the relationships I value and how I feel I would handle myself in the main characters situation.
Read
November 3, 2016 "Red Thread Sisters" is a book of true friendship! Wen and Shu Ling lived most of their lives together in a Chinese Orphanage. Their lives were super hard! I couldn't imaging their living like they did! They were 11 and 12 years old and were basically nannies! The day Wen got adopted, she made a promise to Shu Ling. She was going to get her best friend to America with her! Their original plan was to have Wen ask her family to adopt Shu Ling. Although that was out of the question, she was determined to get her best friend a real family! Wen's true character was showing as she was trying to get Shu Ling to America. Wen even went door to door asking people if they wanted to adopt her. I friend like that would definitely be one I would keep;). All of her hard work paid off and they got to enjoy a summer together! I really admire Wen's determination to keep her promise to her best friend. All people should have an attitude like her. Our world would be a great place! If you are looking for a sweet light-hearted book, I recommend this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2014
Red Thread Sisters by Carol Antoinette Peacock is a really touching book. This book is about Wen, a girl who was abandoned outside a childrens orphanage in China by her mother when she was a toddler. Wen gets adopted by a family who lives in America, and she remembers her promise to her best friend Shu Ling from the orphanage, which was that whoever got adopted first would find a family for the other. I think that this is a very sweet thing for these friends to do. Wen starts a quest to find an adoptive family for Shu Ling, but then she finds out that Shu Ling only has a few more months to find a family before she will have to go find work elsewhere and will not be able to be adopted again. Even though Wen has some troubles between getting used to new American customs and spending all her free time on the internet looking for Shu Ling’s future family, she still manages to work everything out in the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading realistic fiction.
December 12, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Novel / Realistic Fiction
This is the compelling story about a little orphan girl. She has been alone for her whole life except for her lifelong friend that has been with her every step of the way. But now, Wen has been adopted by a family in America and things are about to drastically change. This book would be categorized as realistic fiction because it uses real places but made up characters. It is amazing how the book incorporates the organizations around the world that are here to help support young children. This story really makes you understand why families adopt children from harsh areas around the world. In my classroom, I could use this book to demonstrate that everybody has a different living condition and there are people in the world that are worse off than the ones in my classroom. This story would open the eyes of my students to status around the world.
Peacock, Carol Antoinette. Red Thread Sisters. New York: Viking, 2012. Print.
This is the compelling story about a little orphan girl. She has been alone for her whole life except for her lifelong friend that has been with her every step of the way. But now, Wen has been adopted by a family in America and things are about to drastically change. This book would be categorized as realistic fiction because it uses real places but made up characters. It is amazing how the book incorporates the organizations around the world that are here to help support young children. This story really makes you understand why families adopt children from harsh areas around the world. In my classroom, I could use this book to demonstrate that everybody has a different living condition and there are people in the world that are worse off than the ones in my classroom. This story would open the eyes of my students to status around the world.
Peacock, Carol Antoinette. Red Thread Sisters. New York: Viking, 2012. Print.
Read
December 9, 2014Red Thread Sisters is about two girls who live in an Orphanage in China. When an American family adopts one of the girls she is forced to leave behind the only world she has known and her best friend. She promises to find her friend an American family to adopt her and that they will be together again. When the girl travels to America she is forced to not only adapt to life in a new country but also to life with a new family. This story is a great one to use to bring another culture into the classroom. Through this book there are many similarities that can be shown along with a few differences. This book is best for students in upper middle school classes or lower high school classes. I found myself feeling for the girls throughout the story and hoping for a happy ending. This story also made me think about my family and how thankful I am for all those I love in my life.
April 29, 2014
After spending most of her life as an orphan, Wen gets adopted by an American family. She is ecstatic to finally have a family of her own, but she had to leave her best friend Shu Ling behind. After living the American life Wen feels that she must find Shu Ling a family, too. She must act fast, though, because Shu Ling is running out of time to be adopted.
I feel that introducing this book to children who have been adopted could help them see new perspectives on the issue. Reading about another child's adoption experience could offer excellent insight, or even just an entertaining story that they can relate to. This book can teach students about situations their fellow peers may be in, and offer insight on what it is like to be adopted.
I feel that introducing this book to children who have been adopted could help them see new perspectives on the issue. Reading about another child's adoption experience could offer excellent insight, or even just an entertaining story that they can relate to. This book can teach students about situations their fellow peers may be in, and offer insight on what it is like to be adopted.
June 12, 2014
Not my favorite. I liked the idea and sentiment behind the story but I don't think it reached the mark. Wen's transition from Chinese orphanage to typical American 6th grade classroom was far too seamless. I know for a fact that she would have had far bigger problems then a mean girl. And I found all of the Internet and adoption agency searching to be really unrealistic. I don't think that Peacock did her readers any favors by creating a fantasty situation with Wen communicating with adults at adoption agencies and blogs without any language issues or road blocks. I was disappointed with this book.
January 3, 2015
This novel for middle grade readers tells the story of Wen in an poor Chinese orphanage being adopted by a loving American family. She struggles to adjust to her new environment while consumed with thoughts about how to help her best friend get adopted out of the orphanage as well. It was difficult to read about the poverty in that orphanage in terms of material things (heat, food, clothes) but also the shortage of love and kindness. Wen's voice was convincing in telling her story of struggling to believe that her adoption is permanent and adjust to this new world.
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