Chengli and the Silk Road Caravan

by Hildi Kang

Chengli is an orphaned errand boy who lives in Chang'an China in 630 A.D. His mother has died from illness and his father is presumed dead after disappearing into the desert when Chengli was a baby. Now thirteen, Chengli feels ready for independence. He is drawn to the desert, beckoned by the howling of strange winds and the hope of learning something about his father--who he was and how he died. Chengli joins the caravan to travel down the merchant route known as the Silk Road, but it is a dangerous life, as his father knew. The desert is harsh, and there are many bandits, particularly drawn to Chengli's caravan because a princess, her servants, and royal guards are traveling with them. This story invites readers to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of this fabled desert route.

Genres: Historical Fiction, China, Middle Grade, Adventure, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 2011

Reviews

[Shai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read about the well-known Silk Road of China in a memoir before so I know a little something about it. Because I'm already familiar with the setting, I thought that I could finish this book quickly, however, the story is quite long that made it hard to finish it. Don't get me wrong, I like the plot of the story, climax and some of the characters; yes even Princess Meiling was a likable character after all. But despite that, I still had a great time reading this and I'm sure that young readers would also love it.

[Mitticus · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Chengli is an orphan living as servant of a silk merchant in the city of Chang’an, China, in 630 A.D. The wind of the desert attracts him and he decides to leave this life behind to go in search of answers of the true destiny of his father, of whom they have told him was an inspector who died when he was an infant.

From there develops the story of a journey of a caravan of goods on the famous Silk Road to the west. Bandits, sandstorms, hard work, harsh weather and thirst are day to day problems.



It also tells us how a child learn how to face various dilemmas, like what is true friendship, his own morals; and overall to know where his strengths and weaknesses lie.

Weakness: Towards the third part, the story drags a little, I think attempting to show the long long journey.

It kept me entertained, however. I read it in one go, looking for the places mentioned in the story, amazed at the fact that some of those wonders still exist, although of course much less than they were. I really like the different cultures, and the horsemen remembers me a little bit of a famous film; incredible that they too still are there.


+Digital arc gently provided by editors via Netgalley. My thanks, and my thoughts all mine+

[A Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chengli and the Silk Road is a work of historical fiction set in seventh century China. Chengli is a young teen who can hear a wind that no one else can even feel. While working for a merchant in a city, he begins to feel the urge to learn about his missing father and to follow the wind he hears. He’s given part of a jade pendant that belonged to his father and joins a caravan looking for answers. What sort of adventures will he have during his travels? Will he learn anything about his father?

This was an amazing work of historical fiction for young adults. The author did a fantastic job describing the setting and the atmosphere of the work. It was immersive and brought a great level of depth to the book. Fascinating cultural lore was also included that added depth. For example, fog rolling off the mountains was explained as a demon who pushed the clouds low over the land. Unique cultural views like this were present throughout the work, adding to its immersiveness.

The author also did an excellent job at writing relatable and enjoyable characters. The protagonist and most of the secondary characters were young teens, and the author managed to give them the voices of teens while still making them relatable to older audiences. While this book is geared towards a younger audience, I found it enjoyable as an older reader. The style was simple but not overly so.

The only thing I found to dislike about this work was that there were several errors throughout. While they were not large enough to detract from my enjoyment of the work overall, the book could use another round of editing.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in non-western historical fiction. This work is suitable for young adult readers as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this work through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Nusrat Mahmood · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. **

My country does not have any desert. So when a story invites me to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of fabled desert route I take them immediately. And when a story evolve around the mesmerizing silk route, it grabs readers like me in a moment as we are waiting to experience that glorious journey on caravans there.

This book give us a the chance to have a look at the silk routes with Changli who is an orphaned and went with a caravan on silk route to find more about his father. Changli’s own adventure is very emotional as well as thrilled that we , the readers can thrust ourselves on the road and be a part of his journey without any hesitation.

I must say the book is very well written as the author is successful to make me feel all the sound , sights and rhythm of the beautiful and colourful caravans and their cultures moving on the Gobi desert. The beautiful writing explain nicely the feelings of Chengli to be lost in desert , to lost his identity in the desert with his father and his journey to find them all with his coming of age. What I really liked most is the character building of Changli. How he is always modest and honest to his elders but strong at the same time.

The plot progressed very quickly but the description of the environment was very vivid. This makes the book a quick read yet very much enjoyable. Others secondary characters were also interesting but I think the author could have played so much with ‘the fourth brother’ to make the storyline much more interesting. I actually llove the female character Meiling not ending up as heroin of Changli as there was not that kind of vibe I feel between them at all and at the end finding such no relation satisfied me .

the descriptions of the Silk Road makes a lively setting and that’s the main star of the book. It’s very hard to write good books for the middle grads. The author kept the book short but very nicely handled and goes for the straight story plot with balanced character development. Adults might get to struggle to enjoy this one but highly recommended for the middle graders.

[Valentina Markasović · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the setting of the novel - it's about a young Chinese boy who joins a caravan, in hopes of finding more information about his father. I liked the descriptions of the surroundings and the cultural element that was strongly present and evident in e.g. instances when Chengli talks to anyone older or superior to him. There's also a glossary and a couple of historical poems at the end of the book.

As for the plot, it progresses quickly, as is to be expected of a book of 200 pages. Chengli's motives are clear, and there are enough twists to keep the reader interested. I was a bit confused when an event that I expected to be a minor detour ended up almost the whole second part of the book, therefore pushing Chengli's search for his father into the background.

The character development of the secondary characters differed: the princess, I think, was handled well, whereas Fourth Brother could have been executed in a better way. But overall, it's an engaging book that offers an insight into the life of commoners and royalty in Imperial China.

[ReadBecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this novel for honest review.

Chengli is an orphan who has worked as a servant all his life watching the caravans come and go. In a somewhat sudden decision, he chooses to leave everything he has known in order to join the next caravan heading off on the silk road laden for trade. However, before they can leave the caravan are ordered to take on transport of a carefully guarded princess, en route to a marriage awaiting her at the other side. Along the way Chengli learns more about the world and the father he's never know, experiences great cities and festivals, comes to learn more of the princess,has a run in with bandits, and finds his own way.

As someone on the lookout for vivid non-western settings, I definitely did enjoy this. It's quite short, around 4 hours for me to read, and more geared toward children as a historical novel exploring life on the Silk Road, however well written enough it didn't strike me as boring or simplistic being an adult reader.

[Aanya Sachdeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all this is so beautifully described, the way the author has woven each and every word into such a beautiful story.
The heart-wrenching way in which Chengli holds on to the pieces of his father's life, is just mesmerizing........
His journey through the desert is fun, and quite enjoyable!
The most memorable part has to be the princess' transformation.

[L Y N N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt very realistic. The writing was direct with just enough description to truly set the scene, so to speak.

I realize it would be a completely different world from our present one and that's what I particularly appreciate about historical fiction.

[iamnotabookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated with the Silk Road. In fact, it's part of my bucket list. I dream to one day walk, maybe just a part of the long stretch of the Silk Road and feel how it was like in its glorious days. Caravans and a mix of various cultures utilizing the Silk Road as a way to journey into other parts of Asia, the Middle East and parts of Europe. It's the traveler in me that is so drawn to this famous and fabled highway.

This book is about a caravan on the Silk Road. Yes, that magic word--Silk Road got me to sign up for this book. And I am glad I did because this was a very good story. This was an adventure I would not want to miss. This was as close as I can get to be on the Silk Road.

As obvious as in the title, the main character is named Chengli. A young Chinese boy of thirteen. A son of an Imperial Inspector whom he never got to know. Chengli, just like I am, was so drawn to the desert where his father traveled and did his work. The wind is like calling him and asking him to go and find his father. The vast desert is waiting for him. The call was so persistent that he can no longer ignore it and he finally summoned its call. Hence, the adventures of Chengli with the caravan across the great Gobi Desert and along the Silk Road started.

This story was a good and easy fix to my long dream of exploring the famous Silk Road. Yet, the effects are lasting. A very well-written adventure with all the sights, sounds and colors of a large caravan traversing the fabled stretch of this desert route. I was treated to an amazing scene. A satisfying journey and a very touching story of a young boy hoping to find a piece of himself that he lost in the hot and cruel sands of the desert. This is like a coming-of-age story of Chengli. Finding his heritage and knowing the father he never get to meet. A story of a boy, almost but not yet quite a man, heading the call of the desert wind to come and find the answers to his questions about his family. And he did get his answers.

I give this story 5/5 Bactrian camels in the Gobi Desert. Chengli's grand adventure of a lifetime was also a great Silk Road experience for me. I was transported to the picturesque villages dotting the Silk Road. Everything was described in detail that I was able to picture myself right there with Chengli keeping the donkeys and camels in line. It was like I was there in the market too, looking for wares that hit my fancy. This was a very entertaining and touching story for all ages. A fantastic read.

If you take from someone a thing they took from someone else...are you stealing...or rescuing it to give it back?
- Hildi Kang, Chengli and the Silk Road Caravan -

Thank you again, Netgalley for the copy.

[Barb Middleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chinese protagonists in children's books are like agate hunting on Lake Superior's shorelines. They are hard to spot among all the other rocks. This new addition will help add to the diverse books we have and fill a need for Asian characters that young readers can relate to in our school. Chengli is an orphan who gets permission from his adoptive parent to work on a caravan that is traveling the silk road for trading. The goal of the boy is to find out what happened to his father who disappeared on the silk road when he was an infant. His mother died when he was too little to get answers from her. The journey is full of hardship, dangers, and adventures as Chengli discovers what it means to grow up and discover his strengths.

The master that runs the caravan is a fair man that thirteen-year-old Chengli respects. The caravan is forced by the Emperor to have a child-princess accompany them on their journey. She is to be delivered to her husband-to-be. She reminds me of mooncakes that look gorgeous on the outside, but once you sink your teeth into them the filling might be shredded pork, fish, eggs, or sweet red beans. They are unexpected and not always pleasing to taste, but I've developed a taste for some of them over the years. The princess has tantrums most of the trip, threatens to chop off heads like a dumpling-head, and is superior to everyone around her. The dangers of the road and a kidnapping force her to mature and see her servants as human beings.

The plot and character development have some holes, especially at the end when Chengli describes the master as being like a father to him and he seems to have feelings for the princess. He has respect for the master but not enough to tell him about his moral dilemma or treat him like a father. His adoptive parent he thinks of more throughout the story than the master. The princess and him are just friends. He rescues her and cares about her but she only calls him, "Skinny Boy" or "Camel Boy," giving no indication that she is interested in him. The end made it look romantic and it should have just focused on friendship to stay in line with the character development. There is plenty of action and that will draw readers into the story the most.

The character of Fourth Brother and his actions are never really brought to full light. His last action seemed too vicious for the relationship. His character becomes flat at the end of the story. Chengli is interesting but doesn't have many unique traits that make him memorable. He's a nice kid and its a nice story, but it will be a grain of sand in my constantly shifting sand-dune-pile-memory of forgotten books.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horses, camels and donkeys are the means of survival in this historical Asian tale, as Chengli joins a camel caravan heading out to the great eastern desert.

I enjoyed the tale tremendously and the character-forming journey, the girl Princess Meiling and the stoic animals, as well as the changes of landscape and cultures along the route. We meet Chinese city dwellers, Silk Road traders, Khazak nomads and townspeople farming in glacial runoff areas.

I like the two poems shown at the end, written by brides sent from the Middle Kingdom to secure peace with nomads in yurts. Success and failure, as one says.

Prepare for a long dry dusty journey, reeking of dung and sweat. Very enjoyable for anyone from ten years to adult.

I downloaded an e-copy from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

[Seema Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adventurous ~ Atmospheric ~ Charming
tl; dr: Young boy travels along the Silk Route.

This sweet novel tells the story of a young orphan boy who travels with merchants along the Silk Route in 630. This is a short book that strong young readers will be able to finish quickly. The book does a great job of dropping the reader into this amazing world, full of sounds, smells, and camels. But, the story gets a little boring about 2/3 of the way through. I think the author was more in love with the Silk Route than her story.

3.5

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came at a good time while my Granddaughter who is homeschooled was studying the Silk Road. I was able to incorporate this book in her English with information for her history. It is the story of 13 year old orphaned Chengli who decides it is time for him to show his independence. He decides to go to the desert and joins a caravan on route to the Silk Road. On the trip he finds many challenges. This is a great book for the middle schooler especially if they are studying the Silk Road.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about a young orphaned boy in medieval China decided to go with a caravan west on the Silk Road in search of anything he can find out about his father, who had been an Imperial Inspector (who had been murdered by bandits). He has adventures, meets many peoples, learns to ride a horse from Khazaks, saves a princess, etc. Fun story - historical fiction, but well researched . . .

[Felix the]

The name of the author is Hildi Kang. The book's title is Chengli and the Silk Road Caravan. The book is fiction. Hildi Kang wrote the book under the black umbrella. The book is adventure. I was forced to by the blind date book.


The book is about a boy named Chengli that escaped his contract of working and now trying to find his place where he was born. The story takes place when escapes his contract. The central characters right now are Chengli, little limp and fourth brother. They don't evolve. The general plot is to find the place he was born in. The conflict is that if he want's food and water and shelter he needs to work at a Caravan and protect a princess. Chengli escapes his contract and get into a group of people that can help him survive.



The story made me feel bored. KInd of, of all his adventures it could seem real for a long time ago. NO because someone was name ms.Cook and someone was name Little Limp. No because the book was boring. I learned that people used to work on contracts but not anymore. I had no favorite part. The book was 90% boring and 10% exiting. Because it was really boring and I have no idea how to got a reward for being a exiting book. No I would not because they would properly think it's boring too. I would say a 5 years old person would have this book as a bed time story read by their parents. 3-10 I would rate this book.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

6/28/11 ** Book-a-day challenge: Day 31, Book 37 ** Chengli has a mysterious piece of jade - half a circle. He's been told that it holds the key to his missing father. The book begins when Chengli continues to feel a ghost wind, one that's driving him away from the silk merchant he currently works for, and toward the caravan merchants who travel far outside China. While on the Silk Road with the caravan, Chengli believes that he can uncover the mystery of his father.

Set in 630CE, this middle-grades book has history and adventure. Chengli is spunky and impetuous. Sometimes I found myself wringing my hands at the choices he made, but through those choices he had a remarkable journey (including the rescue of an imperial princess from bandits) that did, indeed, lead to some closure about the mystery surrounding his father's death.

[Mike Mullin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced and engaging story of a boy struggling to find news of his father along China's legendary silk road. It's historical fiction, set during the Tang Dynasty. Reminded me of Heart of a Samurai, which was one of my favorite of last year's middle-grade novels. The ending is particularly good, as none of the plot lines wrap up in the way I expected, and Kang doesn't belittle her readers by offering up a fairy tale conclusion. A great choice for young children reading above grade level, since the writing is evocative, the pace brisk, and there is no content any sensible parent or teacher would object to.

(I read an advance review copy that I snurched from Kids Ink Children's Bookstore, which got it for free from the publisher.)

[Miya (severe pain struggles, slower at the moment) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting children’s read. I love diverse books. I liked that this story of Chengli, a young orphan, tell us about a world most of us have never know. The Silk Road, a caravan, camels, nomads, traders, An adventure of finding oneself and the root of family. It is vividly descriptive. You feel like you are right along for this journey. This is a wonderful book for those who want to expand their children’s awareness of other cultures and history. I think it would be fantastic for a classroom read.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion

[Cherei · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley.. I left some ideas for the publisher to assist the author in making this a really GOOD book to read. Absolutely hated the ending... and that is the reason for the two stars I gave it.

[Believeit2seeit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look into a fascinating, and under-written, time period in history, from the POV of a teenager who's looking for his father along the Silk Road. Great YA book for school project or personal learning.

[Jessica Taskinen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life in Chang'an, the capitol of China, is all that Chengli has ever known. A 13 year old boy, raised by a woman called Old Cook, Chengli's mother is just a memory, and stories of his father are all he has. His father is said to have been an inspector governor general who worked in the far east. Since he has been small, Chengli has felt the call of the wind and wanted to go east. At 13, he left his work for the silk merchant, and was able to sign up as an animal herder with the caravan of Master Fong, whose good reputation carrying silks on the Silk Road earns him the responsibility of transporting Princess Meiling to Kashgar to wed King Galdan, ruler of a nomad kingdom north of Kashgar. Chengli sets out to find his father with only a broken piece of jade as a clue. Travelling across the Silk Road by foot was no piece of cake, but Chengli falls into a rhythm of leading and caring for the camels he leads. However, as much as Chengli would like to have a quiet journey to Kashgar and find his father, that wouldn't be much of an adventure would it? If you want to know what happens and what brave and courageous things Chengli does, you'll just have to pick up the book and read it.

Chengli and the Silk Road Caravan is great middle grade fiction. The story line is engaging, and the characters are lovable. As someone who has studied Chinese culture and currents lives among the Chinese people, Hildi Kang's portrayal of the Chinese culture and the people rings true. Students who read this book can learn about the culture and times of ancient China as well as be entertained by a great adventure.

Thank you so much to Tanglewood Publishing and NetGalley for an electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions above are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*, Chengli and the Silk Road Caravan by Hildi Kang breathed life into the ancient trade route, the Silk Road, in 630 AD. Filled with sights and sounds the story starts in China and travels far to the west, to Kashgar. 13 year old Chengli works in a caravan accompanied by a royal entourage bringing a young princess to wed a distant king. The work is much harder than he expected and trouble finds him as he searches for information about the father he never knew.

Chengli is always trying to be honest and live up to the worthy name of his father who had worked as a royal inspector. He is honest, humble, hard working, willing to learn, respectful of those around him despite station differences, and brave when trouble comes to the princess traveling with the caravan. When accused of a crime he didn’t commit a broken piece of jade from his father may just save Chengli’s life.

CCs: Starting on pg 1 ghosts and demons are frequently referred to in the story. It did not come across as scary but rather a superstitious belief of their culture. Some examples: pg 1 “demon wind”, pg 2 7x demon (wind, desert demon, demon breath), pg 5 lands “protected by ghosts and demons and dragons”, “demons in the billowing clouds”, pg 8 ghosts, demons, “desert spirits” pg 11 3x demons in desert, pg 12 “ghosts of all the dead…will come and steal my spirit”, pg 15 “…ornately carved, wooden screen that guarded the front entrance from evil spirits.”, demon: pg 29, 62, 117, 138, 159, 170;
pg 146 dresses as a girl over his clothing while trying to rescue and escape,
pg 163 entire sentence missing spaces,
pg 164 missing (T)he at the beginning of a paragraph.

[Becky Zales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chengli and the Silk Road Caravan by Hildi Kang is a story about a young boy taunted by a desert wind. The wind is a painful reminder of his father's disappearance at the hands of desert bandits on the silk road. During infancy Chengli's mother discovers she is ill and travels to Chang'an leaving him to the woman referred to Old Cook and the only person who cares about him. Chengli is now thirteen, ready to join a caravan and find out what really happened to his father with the hope that he is still alive.
This story takes place long ago when the only type of transportation was by caravan, camels, horses, donkey or just on foot. Chengli quickly begins to experience the harsh conditions while traveling with the caravan. At times he complains to himself about his sore feet, sore arms and the constant rain, making it hard to walk. On his journey from city to city he finds within his caravan enemies and unexpected friendships.
Kang's story depicts what life on the silk road must have been like. Among the dangers there was also the uncomfortable feel of the desert grit and dust clinging to skin and clothes. Definitely an interesting young adult fiction book for reader's that love to research and ponder what life was like long ago.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.

[Eunice R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! I just love it! Following Chengli - the Camel Boy - along the Silk Road from Chang'an (today's Xian) in Master Fong's caravan was quite a journey! It was quite a feat to arrive safely and soundly, because dangers and perils lurked behind every grain of sand. The integrity and fortitude that the lowly "Skinny One" exerted in caring for beast and princess alike was heart warming. Seeing the mountains, oasis, bustling towns and more, through Chengli's eyes in BCE times one could feel the excitement, see and hear the sights and sounds vividly, and smell the smells of ancient China, titillatingly. If anyone loves ancient history and the lore of China, this book is for you. Children and adults alike will find great affinity towards Chengli and friends (but watch out for the enemies), I feel quite sure of it!

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
July 2022

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by Net Galley and the Thomas Nelson Publishers.

[L Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title provided for an honest review via Netgalley.

I love stories that involve other cultures. So many of them are underrepresented in the publishing world. Not entirely the case for young readers - the diversity is what gets them reading to begin with. Chengli and the Silk Road Caravan, is easily intriguing adventure full of its ups and downs. However, the one thing I didn't enjoy particularly is just how far in the past the story takes place. In some cases that is a good thing for fantastical and mythical reads, this however is a historical fiction set in A.D. I feel it may be hard for its intended audience to connect with in regards to setting when so many kids are heavily involved with technology. Also, given that I wonder if Chengli would need to be more relatable in that sense in order for the story to really bring in the reader. If they can't relate to the setting and journey, what about the main character sort of thing. 3.5 stars.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think my star rating is reflective of how I feel about this book. I had placed it in my ‘to read’ collection as I had been taken by the reviews initially, then by the want of finding out more about the Silk Road, that is so synonymous within China, the place I have lived for the last 6 years. Being a children’s book it was an easy read but took me a while to connect with the main character. I felt I was more taken by the picture drawn by the words of the places along the Silk Road than the story it’s self. It makes me want to read more non-fiction about the history of the Silk Road in ancient times and the contrast with the modern existence. The focus for the character is different to what I thought it would be. To me I wanted to know more about his father than the Princess that took alot of attention from the main story.

[Maxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking the caravan along the Silk Road is an adventure for the reader to China, the Middle East and portions of Europe. Chengli and the Silk Road is a rich, historical fiction well written to engross students in Middle Grades.
Chengli is searching for meaning and his father. The character development is well defined along with the vivid depiction of the setting and other story elements.
Ms. Kang provides her audience with an understanding of surviving as an orphan in a foreign country and perhaps gives the audience appreciation and gratitude for life in America as well as different cultures and history.

Chengli and the Silk Road lends itself to multiple avenues for doing additional research, and discussion about China's history and the culture and traveling across the desert. What an excellent read!
Thank you Netgalley for the book.

[Fajriy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without a plan, a thirteen-year-old Chengli joins a silk road caravan journey in search of his father's 'legacy'. In the middle of the way, when a princess is in danger, without a plan, he takes on an unknowing journey to save her.

Intended for middle grade readers, this book is a quite a page turner and easy to follow. Set in a silk road rute, this book quite fulfill my curiosity about the rute. Chengli is a likeable character. The progress of the plot is rather slow, but it doesn't lessen the enjoyment of reading. It is also satisfying that, in the end, the main characters get what's right for them.

If you like a short middle grade read with the touch of historical setting, this book is for you.

I voluntarily read and review a copy of this book in accordance with the terms of Netgalley.

[Ree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was certainly interesting, though it's likely not meant for everyone. It follows servant boy Chengli's quest for his father, and in the process, takes us through the routes of Ancient China's caravans. All Chengli knows is that he was born in the desert, and when his mother fell ill, she came to the great city of Chang'an. All she left behind was a mysterious half jade, and it is with this, Chengli must take his journey. Along the way, he finds himself recruited into a caravan with an insufferable princess, seeing the sights and wonders of Ancient China along the way, threatened to keep silent about thievery, and finally, be the determined savior in a kidnapping attempt. It was an interesting book, but mostly "okay" overall, though I do have to admire how persistent Chengli is throughout it all.

[Genevieve Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from Netgalley, and picked it out because it looked like the kind of book I could learn a whole lot from. I was obsessed with Daughter of the Mountains for a while as a kid, and hoped that Chengli and the Silk Road Caravan would provide a similar vibrant, multi-faceted exploration of long-ago places and customs.

The premise is somewhat similar -- Chengli leaves the only place he has ever known in search of his father, rather than a stolen dog -- but the journey along the Silk Road holds plenty of interest. Chengli would have needed a little more detail, a little slower pace, and more heart to be just as good as Daughter of the Mountains, but I still wholly enjoyed it!