Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution
Recommended. Age: 12+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
A true and painful story of a girl raised to love Mao who learns what his revolution does to families. Children are pushed to spy on parents, and Ji-li refuses to lie about her father. The book shows a godless state demanding the worship owed to God, and a child choosing honesty and her family. The reservation: beatings and suicides are described, which is heavy for younger readers.
For parents
Read it with your child from 11, and alone from 12. Common Sense Media says 12 and up. Expect raids, beatings and suicides, told plainly. Ask why Ji-li would not testify against her father, and what the Fourth Commandment asks of us (CCC 2214). Ask what happens when a state demands what belongs to God.