China's Long March [Hardcover]

Jean Fritz (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

In 1986, Jean Fritz went to China and talked to survivors of the Long March. It is from their recollections and her own broad, personal knowledge of Chinese history that she has written one of the most compelling accounts of the incredible 6,000 mile journey across China made by the Communist Army in 1934 and 1935.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

After her two memoirs on her childhood in China, Fritz now turns her stellar abilities to this engaging historical account of one of China's most extraordinary eventsthe famous march of the Communist army during 1934-35. Based on firsthand interviews and many published sources, the book contains a wealth of interesting detailsthe existence of traveling ear-cleaners, for an exampleand several extended, suspenseful episodes, including the dangerous crossings of Luding Bridge and Fairy Mountain. The impressions of Chen Changfeng, Mao's bodyguard, give the narrative an admirable coherence and a light-hearted focus that is characteristic of Fritz's work. Suitable for the studious reader, the book moves far beyond politics to recount the human drama of the march, the suffering that led people to such drastic measures and the spirit that kept them marching when hunger and illness threatened to overtake them. The maps help place the action; bold illustrations add further drama by showing small figures trekking across vast landscapes. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up An account of the Chinese Communist Red Army's march for safety and survival in 1934 to 1935, told from the point of view of the common soldier and marchers, some of whom were women. This is a welcome change from most traditional accounts, which focus on the roles of the male leaders and the strategies they used. It is ironic that this focus makes this account rather difficult to follow. Young readers without background or guidance will have difficulty understanding the reasons for the march and some of the events along the way. At times the action bogs down in overly long descriptions of battles, confrontations, and river crossings. In contrast to these flaws, Fritz does an excellent job of characterization, conveying the mood of the march and the incredible dedication of the communists to the revolution. She describes the sacrifices that the marchers made and explains how they won the trust of the Chinese peasants and gained strength, paving the way for their ultimate victory in 1949. Impressionistic black-and-white drawings convey the tone of the narrative. Goldston's The Long March (Watts, 1971; o.p.) offers a more complete account of the entire march, with more maps and photos as well as a good amount of historical perspective and analysis. China's Long March will not replace such titles, but does complement them and offers a more personal point of view. Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, Mo.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 124 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (February 29, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399215123
• ISBN-13: 978-0399215124
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #510,835 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Children's Books > History > Asia

More About the Author

"The question I am most often asked," Jean Fritz says, "is how do I find my ideas? The answer is: I don't. Ideas find me. A character in history will suddenly step right out of the past and demand a book. Generally people don't bother to speak to me unless there's a good chance that I'll take them on." Throughout almost four decades of writing about history, Jean Fritz has taken on plenty of people, starting with George Washington in The Cabin Faced West (1958). Since then, her refreshingly informal historical biographies for children have been widely acclaimed as "unconventional," "good-humored," "witty," "irrepressible," and "extraordinary."In her role as biographer, Jean Fritz attempts to uncover the adventures and personalities behind each character she researches. "Once my character and I have reached an understanding," she explains, "then I begin the detective work--reading old books, old letters, old newspapers, and visiting the places where my subject lived. Often I turn up surprises and of course I pass these on." It is her penchant for making distant historical figures seem real that brings the characters to life and makes the biographies entertaining, informative, and filled with natural child appeal.An original and lively thinker, as well as an inspiration to children and adults, Jean Fritz is undeniably a master of her craft. She was awarded the Regina Medal by the Catholic Library Association, presented with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award by the American Library Association for her "substantial and lasting contribution to children's literature," and honored with the Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature, which was presented by the New York State Library Association for her body of work.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars interesting historical reading, July 22, 2002

By 

"gailgirl13" (kaneohe, hi) - See all my reviews

This review is from: China's Long March (Hardcover)

i found 'china's long march' a well-written and interesting book. the author creatively portrays the communist march and the majority of the facts are historically accurate. i read this in 9th grade to supplement my history curriculum, but i would suggest this book to kids ages 10-13.

4 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Ok book, May 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: China's Long March (Hardcover)

This book is a little boring and it always seems like the author is on the Communists side. It is ecxiting and a book that 6th graders will enjoy probly the most. It has a good ending and a beging. I rate it 3 stars because its a little boring alot of parts but overall its a pretty good book