Reading age: 7 - 11 years
Length:320 Pages
Grade Level: 3 - 7

Independent Reading Level: Grades 3-5

Throughout The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang Lucy is reluctantly getting in touch with her Chinese culture while she endures new living arrangements. She tends to complain a lot throughout the book, which seems totally normal for a sixth grader! I could relate to the fact that she felt the world was out to get her and that everything was going wrong. Lucy couldn’t believe her parents didn’t understand how awful things were for her. I loved that Lucy has an awesome best friend who helps her to see her situation for what it is. Watching her grow and learn to accept the changes in her life was great. I like that nothing happened instantly, but took time. Just like real life. Throughout the book I learned a lot about the Chinese culture and many phrases and terms are sprinkled in each chapter. I even had to get sushi for dinner as soon as I finished reading! Lucy is a typical kid who loves basketball and wants school to go smoothly. The funny things that happen to her make her a believable character. I think kids from fourth grade through eighth grade could appreciate this book and relate to Lucy and her friends. Lucy Wu has built a wall, but will she keep it up, make it bigger, or tear it down? You will have to find out for yourself! ( )

Reading this was like remembering what it was like to be in middle school. ( )