1945 – 1976
In 1949, Mao Zedong led the Communist Party to victory in China’s civil war, establishing the People’s Republic of China. Under Mao’s rule, China underwent radical social and economic transformations, including land reforms and industrialization efforts. In 1966, Mao launched the Cultural Revolution, a campaign aimed at reinforcing communist ideology by removing capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. This period was marked by widespread persecution, chaos, and the destruction of cultural heritage. Mao’s rule had a profound impact on China, shaping its development and leaving a lasting legacy.
Picture books
Mao and Me
Story of the upheaval of the Cultural Revolution through the eyes of a young boy
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Dancing to Freedom: The True Story of Mao’s Last Dancer
True story of a boy selected by Mao’s government to become a dancer
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Moth and Wasp, Soil and Ocean: Remembering Chinese Scientist Pu Zhelong’s Work for Sustainable Farming
Story of a farm boy learning about sustainable agriculture from real scientist Pu Zhelong
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Chapter books
Little Leap Forward: A Boy in Beijing
Story of two Beijing boys experiencing change during the Cultural Revolution
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Little White Duck: A Childhood in China
Graphic novel about two sisters whose world changes when Mao dies
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Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party
Novel about a girl whose life starts to change when one of Mao’s political officer moves in next door
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Non-fiction books
China’s Long March
Story of the Communist army’s 6,000 mile march under Mao Zedong
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Mao vs. Chiang: The Battle for China, 1925-1949
Describes the power struggle between between Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Tse-tung
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Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution
Award-winning true story about a girl whose whole world changes during the Cultural Revolution
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China’s Son: Growing Up in the Cultural Revolution
True story of a boy’s loss and rediscovery of his path during the Cultural Revolution
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Red Land, Yellow River
Beautifully illustrated true story of a boy forced to relocate to the countryside for “re-education” who finds his artistic voice
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Girl Under a Red Moon: Growing Up During China’s Cultural Revolution
Vivid true story of a girl adjusting to life during the Cultural Revolution
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Snow Falling in Spring: Coming of Age in China During the Cultural Revolution
True story of a girl who lost everything during the cultural revolution who finds solace in reading
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