Paul Yee, illustrated by Shaoli Wang,
Shu-Li and Tamara
Tradewind Books, 2007.

Rating: E*

This title is the latest work of Governor General’s Award-Winner, Paul Yee. It is the story of Chinese-born Shu-Li, a recent immigrant to Canada who helps out in her parents’ Chinese delicatessen, and her friendship with Tamara, the new girl in town.

Shu-Li is desperate to make a friend in her new country, and when she meets Tamara, the two girls become inseparable. Tamara’s Mom never seems to have enough money, yet Tamara treats Shu-Li regularly to ice cream and pizza. Joey, a boy in Shu-Li’s class begins to raise suspicions about where Tamara’s money comes from and Shu-Li has to decide whether to join in the gossip about her new friend or trust her heart.

A terrific little story that celebrates diversity and cross-cultural friendship in terms that are accessible to elementary school children. A solid purchase for all school and public library collections.

Thematic Links: Chinese Canadians; Friendship; Multiculturalism/Diversity; Gossip

Michelle Gowans
Vol. 13, number 2
December 2007

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Average, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.