Just Add One Chinese Sister [School & Library Binding]

Patricia I. McMahon (Author), Conor Clarke McCarthy (Author), Karen A. Jerome (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4 - This story of an American family's adoption of a Chinese toddler is storytelling at its finest. The narration in two voices begins as the mother shares a scrapbook she compiled with Claire. Big brother Conor reveals his thoughts through journal entries printed in italics in the wide right margins. The omnipresent dog is a humorous and appealing fourth presence. The composition mimics a scrapbook, with multiple images on a page (sometimes designed as photographs) and other travel paraphernalia, e.g., ticket stubs, receipts, and postcards. Jerome's imaginative approach to color and style attracts and sustains interest. A snowy scene in China is impressionistic, bathed in purple. Family scenes are highly saturated with vivid color blends and dramatic contrasts between light and dark areas. The generous white space and lean text allow readers to pace themselves through the moving emotional content. Author and artist are equally adept at creating multidimensional portraits of the children. Conor is, by turn, curious (about how to become a brother), worried, patient, frustrated, and annoyed, but ultimately elated. It is his antics playing "Hotel Ball" with a sock that elicit his sister's first laugh. Claire registers the anxiety of a toddler leaving familiar territory, the giggly countenance of play, shyness in the face of the second round of relatives, and naughtiness when she's comfortable in her new role. All children will recognize and empathize with these delightful people. - Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. Similar to Molly Friedrich's You're Not My Real Mother [BKL N 15 04], this lively picture book, based on a true story, is about an American family's adoption of a little Chinese girl. The story is told partly from the perspective of the girl's older American brother, Conor. As the book begins, Mommy and toddler Claire are having fun making a scrapbook about Claire, with photos, papers, and bits and pieces that show how the family went to China to get to know a little girl named Guan Yu and how they brought her home with them and, at Conor's suggestion, added Claire to her name (Claire Guan Yu). Enlivening the family's stories are Conor's journal entries, beginning with his anxiety and jealousy, and then gradually revealing the siblings' bond. The story is in the details, which are honest about Claire's initial fear and, later, her mischief and the joyful family love. Expressive watercolor artwork, in bright hues, depicts the warm and intense feelings. Adoptive families will welcome this. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• School & Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Pr (March 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563979896
• ISBN-13: 978-1563979897
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,099,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chinese Sister book, July 8, 2006

By 

W. Schutz "binderlynn" (Scottsdale, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Just Add One Chinese Sister (School & Library Binding)

Love the book. Great story, wonderful pictures. Our adopted 6 year old Chinese daughter is in the process of getting a new sister, and loves this book too.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!, November 18, 2006

By 

P. Lusher "Asiankidzx2" (WV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Just Add One Chinese Sister (School & Library Binding)

Change to brother-Zack, sister-Carlee, province-Hubei. Everything else is exactly the same as our story. I cried like a baby while I read it. Everyone with a Red Thread connection will love this book.