Chu Ju loves her new baby sister, Hua, but she seems to be the only one in her family who does. Chu Ju lives in rural China, where the government does not allow families to have more than 2 children. The culture dictates that every family should have a son, while girls are considered worthless. If you’ve ever wondered why so many girls are adopted from China, Chu Ju’s House provides insights about why a Chinese family might make an adoption plan for a baby girl.

When Chu Ju learns that her parents and Grandmother are planning to send the baby away, so that they can try again to have a son, she decides to give up her own place in the family. Chu Ju chooses to run away so that Baby Hua can stay. She doesn’t know if she will ever see her family again.

As Chu Ju’s adventures show her what life is like for a girl with no family in China, readers gain an understanding of a land and culture very different from North America.

This book is a fictional story, but will give you a vivid, detailed picture of customs, work, and village and family life in rural China, and all the things important to a young girl growing up there, from water buffaloes to blue jeans.

For ages 10 and up.

(This review was written by Adoption Clubhouse Staff)