Defying China: A Memoir

by Tsultrim Dolma, Rebecca Hsieh

The incredible true story of a teen who became an activist for the Tibetan independence movement, for readers of Red Scarf Girl and Farewell to Manzanar.

Tsultrim Dolma, born in a tiny village in the stunning mountains of eastern Tibet, always knew there had to be more than the life expected of More than no education, because her family was poor. More than being married off at a young age, because she was a girl. More than barely getting by under oppressive Chinese occupation, because she was Tibetan. When she was sixteen, Tsultrim found more, joining protests for the Tibetan independence movement, the call for her beloved country’s liberation from the People’s Republic of China. Shortly after, she was arrested and sent to Gutsa Detention Center, notorious for its brutal torture of political prisoners like Tsultrim.

This young adult memoir follows Tsultrim’s courageous coming of age through her time at Gutsa, being heavily surveilled by the government after her release, and, ultimately, her escape to the U.S. It also underscores the bravery it takes to speak up, and the power to be found in sharing one’s story.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, China, Biography Memoir, Asian Literature, Activism, Politics

352 pages, Hardcover

Published March 10, 2026

Reviews

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir was very easy to read and a fascinating look into a totally different culture. I loved learning about what it was like growing up in rural Tibet in the 80s. I always knew there was a conflict in Tibet but really knew nothing about it. I’m glad to know a little more now, especially from an insiders perspective. I would love to know more about the authors journey as an adult, after the events of the book.

[Tony Carmona · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of 2026

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a mind blowing memoir about a Tibetan girl growing up to become an activist. When she was young, she knew the life of her parents and friends wasn't for her, getting married and settling in the small mountainous village. She wanted more and went into the sisterhood, but the protest movement called her and she was made (essentially) famous for being arrested during a protest and subjected to brutal torture that was the subject of a documentary. When she was released and on the run from the government that she was trying to oppose (China), the story of fear and frustration that she experienced in the pursuit while others were trying to protect her because they found her bravery courageous and commendable. Even getting the opportunity to go to the United States where she decided to take the opportunity to spread the word about what was happening in her country after a life-altering meeting with the Dalai Llama.

I was so impressed with this memoir and can't wait to share with many.

[Bethany Eveleth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot reading this book and see so many opportunities for additional research to build more understanding of Chinese-occupied Tibet and the conflict in that area. There are elements of the book that are extremely heavy, to be expected, but worth restating before cracking it open. I find myself wanting more about the other characters’ journeys, but of course that’s not the purpose of the book.

I think this memoir would work well in a secondary classroom environment, as it provides so many opportunities for additional study and research. That being said, the abuse detailed in the book (throughout the book) is extremely difficult and at times really upsetting. Students and families would need to be adequately prepared to avoid being caught off guard. Much of the text seems really appropriate for 9-10 grade, but the abuse makes it hard to recommend for those lower class levels in high school.

[Beth Given · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tsultrim grew up in occupied Tibet, where she would likely have become a teenage bride had she not spontaneously entered a life of religious service instead. As a nun, she joined protests against the Chinese government, shouting for Tibet's freedom -- and being jailed for it. This memoir chronicles her mistreatment and abuse, her courage to speak up, and ultimately her escape from Tibet as a refugee.

This memoir, written for teens and young adults, highlights the long struggle of the Tibet people -- a topic that the Western world has largely ignored. I'm glad I read this book if only to learn a little more about what has been happening in that part of the world.


Some descriptions of violence.
Attempted sexual assault.

[Jasmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

For a long time I thought I didn't like nonfiction, and this book helped me understand why. It also explains why it took me so long to make it through this book. I kept going back, hoping it would get better.

While I understand the importance of following someone's biographical journey, in a memoir, you focus on a specific period of time or defining event. Sadly, the focus was not always clear, or was so didactic, that I could not engage. There were parts that I felt could be more developed, and other parts where they should have been cut because it took away from the expressed intent. I would say this book is only for someone who is just learning about Tibet and its history with China.

[Gia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I recently visited my local public library in search of a new book to read. I stumbled upon 'A Tibetan Girl Fights Back: Defying China’ on the new releases shelf and instantly picked it up. I have been enthralled by Tibetan culture and the history of Tibet for some time, and I immediately knew I had to read this book. I became captivated by Tsultrim's story, which deeply inspired and enlightened me about the Tibetan independence movement and the struggles against the oppressive Chinese occupation. The overall book was an honest and gut-wrenching story about a young woman fighting for justice for her people. This book inspired me deeply in hopes of change and peace. I pray for all those in Tibet.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic Young Adult Memoir following Tsultrim growing up in 1980’s Tibet under the Chinese Occupation. We follow her life from the poor rural farming community where at 11 years old she decides to take her life into her own hands, to Lhasa as a young nun joining the protests for Tibetan Independence, her arrest and eventual escape through Kathmandu and the new life she is beginning to forge just in her early twenties.

An extraordinary, well written engaging memoir - will be highly recommended to my students.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Young Readers Group | Dial Books for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tsultrim Dolma is the inspiring and determined activist that teens need to know about! Defying China educated me beyond measure, I left feeling informed and readied. The work that Tsultrim and others are doing is working not only for Tibet but for so many people enduring similar injustices. This book is sure to connect with so many young readers, it may offer peace in companionship, ignite action, even if only inform the unaware. There has always been a need to hear Tsultrim's story, but I think now more than ever it needs to be screamed from mountains. People will listen!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for an ARC of Defying China!

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic memoir that's perfectly suited for a YA audience. the writing style was fantastic and everything throughout was absolutely interesting. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

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[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating glimpse into the life of one Tibetan girl growing up under Chinese occupation during the 1980s. Tsultrim Dolma’s memoir will allow teens to better understand China’s ongoing efforts to erode Tibetans’ religious and cultural freedoms.

[Ashlyn Hannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING. China is literally cancelled

[Susan]

Review to come.