Ever wish the younger generation could toss out the mindless yet highly addictive "teen series" books and read something productive? Da Chen’s China’s Son, a memoir of a child growing up amidst China's Cultural Revolution, is an excellent alternative for any teen title with the words "club" or "valley" in it. Adapted for young adults from Chen's novel Colors of the Mountain, China’s Son is an easy read as well as an enticing, true tale of a boy's experiences in China during the turbulent times of the 1960s and 70s. It's a coming-of-age story so mesmerizing in its candor and genuineness that any reader, even a teenager, cannot help but be inspired.

Da Chen was born in 1962 into a family of wealthy landlords, a status normally considered lucky. Unfortunately for Chen and his family, landlords and other well-to-do households were despised and suppressed when the teachings of Mao Tse-Tung became the laws of the land. His father is sent to labor camps and his elder brother and two sisters are forced to toil in the fields while Da, the youngest, has to beg for an education. Da is ridiculed and tormented by the children of the suddenly elevated farmers as well as by teachers, who do everything in their power to make sure the boy does not succeed. Yet with the help of a few Samaritans, Da excels in his early years, both as a student and a musician, despite the incessant harassment. He tells of four street kids - outcasts to society yet the most loyal of friends to Da - whose support and friendship help give him the strength and will to succeed. It is 1976 when Mao dies, turning China upside down so that education suddenly matters. Da is luckily young enough to begin preparation for the college examinations, however it is not an easy feat by any means, for the odds are stacked against him.

With thoughtful imagery, Da Chen writes with a kind of certainty and naturalness that only an autobiography can offer. At times, the man behind the boy shines through with a word or two about the ups, downs, and ultimate absurdities of politics. Yet one is swept away in his world, witnessing the chaotic and often tragic effects of the Cultural Revolution in such simplicity that the impact of the events is somehow greater:

I followed her to the shrine every day - the shrine that was hidden behind a window curtain in the attic, because religion was not allowed in Communist China. I knelt behind Mom and banged my head on the floor noisily, whispering my small requests. My list grew from two items to many. I asked for Dad not to get beaten by the Red Guards, for Grandpa to be well, for Mom not to cry as much. My last request was always for food - more of it, please.

Yet what I think makes it such a good story, especially for children 12 -15 (roughly Da's age at the time), is the message it sends. Chen's story is interesting because he survives the Cultural Revolution, yet his achievement is even more admirable because he is able to rise above it. His means? Education, the power of knowledge. And that is always an important thing to teach:

I looked at school in a different light. It was still a fun place, but now it was much, much more. It was the key to a bright future. I knew if I could somehow stay in school, I would do well. There was hope.

His determination, morals and self-discipline are inspiring. Chen's voice becomes, by the end of the book, so mature, so powerful that one has to remind oneself that he is only sixteen years old. No doubt, there are countless coming-of-age stories where a character is forced at an early age to take responsibility for his own actions and ultimately his own life. China’s Son is no exception, but that should not take away from the significance of his story. And let's face it - we're all suckers for a tale of triumph.

To teens: This is worth reading. If you're scared off by the notion that it is a cliché, don't be. There is enough humor and imagery in Chen's language to make it a pleasurable read. To parents: The kids may need some prodding. If that doesn't work, casually leave it on their nightstand in hope that they might take a peek. If all else fails, read it yourself.

Julia Davidson

Julia is graduate from Hong Kong International School and is now at Harvard.