The Crystal Ribbon

Gr 5–8—When 11-year-old Jing is sold by her family to be a future bride for a wealthy three-year-old, she is thrust into a life of humiliation and punishment by her new in-laws. When her plans to flee are thwarted, her in-laws sell her to be trained as a concubine. Jing learns that the concubines-in-training receive lessons in art and politics, and their physical duties are hinted at by one of China's most celebrated concubines, who eventually assists the girl in escaping. Upon leaving the concubine house, Jing stumbles upon a young boy and encounters a village that is seemingly being slowly poisoned by a tree. Jing's triumphant rescue of the poisoned village and her hopeful future are joyous conclusions to this somber story. Her constant deprivation and painful punishments are chillingly detailed. The relationship between Jing and Jun'an, her toddler-aged future husband, is one of the few reliefs Jing has from constant harassment and harsh words, although Jun'an is rather verbally advanced for a three-year-old. Chinese words, as well as Jing's internal thoughts, are italicized, with definitions of Chinese words woven into the narrative. An author's note gives further background on the time period and traditions of 1100 CE China. Magical elements throughout bring much-needed wonder and hope to Jing's life. Although this title is set in ancient China, the theme of children being sacrificed for profit and sold into slavery or prostitution remains relevant.