1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lee, Stacey. 2019. THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL. New York: G. P. PUTNAM’S SONS, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC. ISBN 9781524740955.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
After being released from her hatter job because of her race, Jo Kuan returns to the Payne’s household as a ladies maid for her childhood adversary. Set in the 1890s in Atlanta, Georgia, Jo’s life with Old Gin had to be modest and inconspicuous. Yet, Jo uses her wit and wisdom to earn a spot in the local newspaper as an ‘Agony Aunt’ or anonymous editorial writer. Her voice will shake things up in their little town, as she challenges some of the customs and opinions of the time.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lee tells an important American story, one that is often overlooked or ignored. The unique plight of the Chinese immigrants during the Gilded Age of the Southern United States is unfortunate and distressing. The Asian Americans faced much of the same prejudice and harsh treatment as the African Americans.
Lee does a masterful job of unfolding the intriguing plot of the book. The pacing of the plot development varies, sometimes feeling slower than desired. Nevertheless, the unveiling of the complex relational threads between the characters is satisfying and most entertaining. More than once, characters that seem at odds are discovered to be related. Not only does Lee include ignorant characters that are stereotypical of the historical time, but also characters of compassion who value equality and humanity. There are ones you love and ones you love to hate.
Lee’s use of figurative language is exceptional and effective. In the line, “Monday muscles in like the first rooster in the ring, talons out, ready to draw blood,” on page 149, she uses both personification and simile to convey a strong, specific description of the upcoming day. She also uses metaphor and hyperbole throughout the story to enrich her story.
4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist starred, June 2019
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books starred, July 2019
Kirkus Reviews Starred, June 2019: “She deftly weaves historical details with Jo’s personal story of finding a voice and a place for herself in order to create a single, luminous work. An optimistic, sophisticated portrayal of one facet of Chinese American—and simply American—history.”
Publishers Weekly starred, June 2019
School Library Journal starred, June 2019: “Though society may try to push aside those it sees as different, Jo demonstrates that everyone has a place and a story to be told.”
Teacher Librarian, October 2019
Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), June 2019
5. CONNECTIONS
*This historical fiction book would be a great addition to a study of the Chinese American experience. Other books that would also be great extensions for learning are Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo, American born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang, or The secret battle of Evan Pao by Wendy Wan Long Shang.
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