Teens in China

In the world's most populated country, Chinese teenagers are looking forward to a future in what could be the world's next great superpovver. As the Chinese economy booms, teens are learning to enjoy the new opportunities that are available to them. The choices these teens make vvill determine how a new generation will balance traditional and modern iife in China. Teens in China is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

Children's Literature

Whether used as part of a social studies or Asian studies unit or read just out of curiosity, this entry in the "Global Connections" series will be an accessible work for most readers. They are sure to appreciate the many large color photographs that complement the text. This book presents the Chinese people both in a positive light and in a manner that most western readers can relate to. A terrific study in commonalities and differences between cultures, this work presents some obvious differences as well as some not so obvious ones. For example, there are more bicycles than cars in China and only about half of the students continue beyond junior middle school because of a lack of classrooms and teachers in rural areas. In addition, readers can find out why red is the preferred color for new Chinese brides and be one of the first to view the 2008 Beijing Olympic logo! Following the informative, concise chapters are a brief overview of the country with basic facts (e.g., population, government, economy), a glossary, a bibliography and a timeline of China's history represented alongside other global events. This is an easily-comprehended work that makes social and cultural studies interesting and motivates readers to learn more! Reviewer: Elizabeth Young