Ribbons - by Laurence Yep (Paperback)

About the Book

Ballet means everything to Robin Lee. But when her parents, who have brought Robin's grandmother from Hong Kong to America to live with them, can no longer afford her lessons, she is determined not to give up her dream even amidst family conflict. A Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies.

Book Synopsis

If you asked her, Robin would say that ballet means everything to her.

But no one's asking Robin. Not her parents, who can no longer afford ballet lessons because all of their money is going toward bringing Robin's Chinese grandmother to America. Not her grandmother, a demanding woman who can barely walk. And now, Robin is even losing touch with her ballet friends, who are moving on without her. It's hard for Robin to hide her resentment of this foreign grandmother who's changed her whole life. Then Robin uncovers a secret that leads to a new understanding of the many ways in which she and her tough old grandmother are alike.

"An appealing story that draws readers into the world of ballet, while offering an authentic and sometimes amusing look at the dynamics of Chinese-American family life."--School Library Journal

"Kids who appreciate a story about fighting for one's dream will enjoy Robin's saga."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Review Quotes

Praise for Ribbons

"An appealing story that draws readers into the world of ballet, while offering an authentic and sometimes amusing look at the dynamics of Chinese-American family life."--School Library Journal

"Kids who appreciate a story about fighting for one's dream will enjoy Robin's saga."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Laurence Michael Yep is a prolific Chinese-American writer, best known for children's books. In 2005, he received the biennial Children's Literature Legacy Award for his career contribution to American children's literature. His distinguished novels for young people that deal with the Asian-American experience include two Newbery Honor Award winners, Dragonwings and Dragon's Gate. Mr. Yep, who has a Ph.D. in English, has taught at the University of California at Berkeley and Santa Barbara. He also is an award-winning playwright and has edited a collection of writings by Asian-Americans.