The Legend of Auntie Po
on Goodreads (2,814)
What’s inside...
Part historical fiction, part magical realism, and 100 percent adventure. Thirteen-year-old Mei reimagines the myths of Paul Bunyan as starring a Chinese heroine while she works in a Sierra Nevada logging camp in 1885. Aware of the racial tumult in the years after the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, Mei tries to remain blissfully focused on her job, her close friendship with the camp foreman's daughter, and telling stories about Paul Bunyan--reinvented as Po Pan Yin (Auntie Po), an elderly Chinese matriarch. Anchoring herself with stories of Auntie Po, Mei navigates the difficulty and politics of lumber camp work and her growing romantic feelings for her friend Bee. The Legend of Auntie Po is about who gets to own a myth, and about immigrant families and communities holding on to rituals and traditions while staking out their own place in America.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mei felt when she told stories about Auntie Po? What do her stories tell us about her?
Auntie Po is a larger-than-life figure in Mei's tales. What qualities make Auntie Po special to Mei and the camp workers?
Why is the friendship between Mei and Bee important in the story? How do they support each other?
The Legend of Auntie Po incorporates history and folklore. How do these elements change your understanding of the characters and their situations?
What does this story teach us about family, community, and belonging?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by asking them how they would feel in similar situations as the characters.
Discuss the historical context of the story together, perhaps looking up more information about that era to deepen the conversation.
Draw parallels between the mythical elements and real-life situations to help your child grasp complex themes like cultural identity and resilience.
After reading the book, ask your child to think about a story of their own involving an imaginary hero. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the role of folklore and storytelling.
Highlight the importance of diversity and acceptance, discussing how these themes are portrayed in the book and their relevance in today's world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity and inclusion
Explanation: The story showcases a variety of cultures and backgrounds, highlighting their importance through the character Mei, who recounts stories about the mythical Auntie Po to her fellow loggers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, promoting harmony and understanding in diverse environments such as schools or playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Importance of storytelling in preserving history
Explanation: The Legend of Auntie Po emphasizes how storytelling helps pass cultural heritage and values from one generation to another, as seen through Mei sharing her tales.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to listen to and share stories from their own families and cultures, enhancing their connection to their own history and fostering a deeper appreciation for oral traditions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Mei faces various challenges, including racial discrimination and personal loss, yet she continues to show strength and resilience throughout the narrative.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and courage, helping them to overcome obstacles and challenges they encounter in their own lives with determination and strength.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship and solidarity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mei and her friends support and look out for each other, showcasing the strength found in unity and friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the importance of supporting friends and standing together in tough times, which can be applied in building strong, supportive relationships with peers.