Books like First girl by Gloria Whelan
In this tale set in contemporary China, sixteen-year-old Chu Ju, the eldest of a large family, decides to leave her village with her baby sister to save them from starvation and malnutrition. Through hard work and survival skills, she manages to earn a living as a street vendor, while simultaneously feeling a growing sense of longing for her family and the familiar rhythms of life. However, her plans are complicated by the growing recognition of the importance of family and the traditional customs of Chinese society, which lead her to consider the possibility that she will never truly be reunited with her loved ones. The novel offers a poignant and realistic portrayal of the challenges of modern urban life and the search for connection in the face of cultural and societal expectations.
First publish date: 2007
Genre: Children's Fiction/Children's Adventure
Authors: Gloria Whelan
★
★
★
★
★
0.0 (0 community ratings)
How are these books recommended?
The books recommended for First girl by Gloria Whelan are shaped by reader interaction. Votes on how closely books relate, user ratings, and community comments all help refine these recommendations and highlight books readers genuinely find similar in theme, ideas, and overall reading experience.
Have you read any of these books?
Your votes, ratings, and comments help improve recommendations and make it easier
for other readers to discover books they’ll enjoy.
Books similar to First girl (16 similar books)
In 1943 Copenhagen, ten‑year‑old Annemarie Johansen helps her Jewish friend Ellen Rosen escape Nazi persecution, learning courage and resilience while navigating war‑time hardships.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A solitary Chumash girl is left on San Nicolas Island and must learn to survive alone, mastering skills traditionally reserved for men while facing danger, hunger and loneliness.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A powerful story of a Black family's battle for dignity, family, and land in Depression‑era Mississippi, seen through the eyes of eight‑year‑old Cassie Logan.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Caddie Woodlawn, a Newbery‑Medal‑winning historical novel by Carol Ryrie Brink, follows a spirited Wisconsin farm girl as she navigates frontier life, family bonds, and friendships in 19th‑century America.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
In 12th‑century Korea, orphan Tree‑ear rises from a bridge in a potters’ village to follow his dream of making celadon by apprenticing with master potter Min, facing hardship and learning the art of pottery.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A 14th‑century tale of a boy named Robin who, during the Black Death, must brave plague‑ridden London, an isolated monastery, and a perilous journey to Castle Lindsay on the Welsh border to save a besieged fortress.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A handmade quilt records the stories of four generations of a Jewish immigrant family, weaving together love, faith, and heritage across time and borders.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Join the Berenstain Bears on a playful adventure as they enter a pet show, learning about responsibility, teamwork, and the joy of sharing family moments with pets.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Amelia embarks on a journey to find her Aunt Tanner, her former cheerleader teammates, and the boy she once thought of as a friend, all while dodging ex-boyfriend's tell-all book and navigating the complex dynamics of their family's past and present. A lighthearted and humorous adventure story for young readers, perfect for fans of 'The Fault in Our Stars' and 'Wonder'.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A young Chinese orphan named Kara learns what family means in a lyrical verse novel, exploring intercountry adoption and the longing for home while discovering her own voice and limitless love.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A Hong Kong immigrant teenager in Brooklyn balances school, a night shift in a Chinatown sweatshop, and family expectations, while learning to translate both language and identity across cultural divides.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
When President’s daughter Morgan Abbott attends an official visit to London, she must juggle a secret romance and the pressures of high school life.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
First Daughter Morgan Abbott craves privacy but her mistakes make headlines because her mother is President of the United States. When the President must disappear, Morgan’s ingenuity and a secret service agent’s protection help her stand in as the decoy, earning her the nickname "Madam President."
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Twelve‑year‑old Haoyou becomes a kite rider in 13th‑century China, embarking on an adventure that takes him into the court of the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A 14‑year‑old Chinese girl defies one‑child law and tradition to protect her sister, embarking on a daring midnight escape that tests family bonds and the definition of home.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Some Other Similar Books
Sharon's Quilt: A Story About a Girl Who Finds Her Voice by Susan R. McKenneyHave a similar book in mind? Let others know!
Please login to submit books!