Shu-Li and Tamara

by Paul Yee

Shu-Li’s family moved to Canada two years ago. They now run a Chinese deli in Vancouver’s Commerical Drive area. Her classmate Tamara recently moved into the neighbourhood. The two girls become good friends, but an ugly rumour threatens their relationship.

Genres: Chapter Books

64 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Paul Yee never planned to be an author but got published in 1983 and followed up with over twenty books in his area of obsession: Chinese immigrants to North America. He wrote mostly for young readers, from picture books to Young Adult fiction, as well as histories for everyone. His university degrees in history, plus working as an archivist, plunged him into researching the past. His work has been translated into French and Chinese, and used in animated films as well as stage plays. Born in small-town prairie Canada, he grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, but Toronto tempted him away from that west coast paradise in 1988.

Reviews

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fourth-grade girl whose family recently immigrated from China to Canada makes a friend, then stands up for that friend when she comes under suspicion for stealing money from a school charity fund. Story feels slight and reads more like a short story than a fully fleshed out chapter book. Recipes from the school bake sale are included in the back of the book.

[Liam O'Donnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

True friendship lies at the heart of Shu-Li and Tamara, the new book from Governor General award-winning author Paul Yee, published by Tradewind Books. Shu-Li and her family moved to Canada from China two years ago, but she still feels like an outsider in her Grade 4 class. Her classmate, Tamara, recently moved to Shu-Li's Vancouver neighbourhood, also feels isolated from the many middle class kids living in the area. Through their friendship, understanding and belief in each other, Shu-Li and Tamara overcome the teasing of their classmates and an ugly rumour fueled by prejudice. In this touching tale for early to middle readers, Paul Yee addresses issues of race, class and poverty with a gentle touch and wise storytelling. Combined with Shaoli Wang's simple black and white illustrations, Shu-Li and Tamara is an endearing story that celebrates the multicultural canvas that enriches communities, large and small, across Canada. Shu-Li and Tamara is a welcome addition to Canadian children's literature and highly recommended for middle grade readers.

[Esther Storrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paul Yee tells the story of Shu-Li, who recently moved with her family to Vancouver. They own a busy Chinese deli, where her father serves as chef. Shu-Li is quiet and lonely until she is befriended by Tamara, who also recently moved to the area. Shu-Li seems to be an authentic character, struggling with her desire to be heard among her classmates, while also nervous to speak out. She is embarrassed by her parents' English, and often feels trapped working at the family business while her friends are exploring the neighborhood. Aimed at girls around grades 2 or 3, this early chapter book has the feeling of a "grown-up" book, but the story and characters are pretty straightforward. So, while certainly a good story of cross-cultural relationships, the book is only moderately enjoyable.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great kid's chapter book about friendship, respect and trust that takes place in my neighborhood! I would love to buy it for my niece, though the version I got from the library contained a very noticeable printing error - I hope there's a corrected version out there somewhere.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This book is about real friendship."