The Journey of Meng

by Doreen Rappaport

A Chinese tale in which a woman goes in search of her husband who has been forced to be a slave for a cruel king.

Genres: China, Picture Books

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Doreen Rappaport has written many books of fiction and nonfiction for young readers, specializing in thoroughly researched multicultural history, historical fiction, retellings of folktales and myths, and stories of those she calls the "not-yet-celebrated." Among her recent books is Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., illustrated by Bryan Collier, which received a Caldecott Honor Award and a Coretta Scott King Honor Award for illustration. Doreen Rappaport divides her time between New York City and a rural village in upstate New York.

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of several Chinese legends with the theme of sacrifice for a cruel emperor. Meng Jiangnu's husband was conscripted for labor on the Emperor's Great Wall. Just as thousands of other workers, he died from the excess of heavy labor, and was buried in a section of the wall. Meng goes to find her husband, breaks the wall, and retrieves her husband's bones for a proper burial. The Emperor, seeing her beauty, commands her to marry him, or he will behead her. After her husband's burial, Meng refuses the Emperor's offer of marriage by jumping into the sea to her death.

In classical Chinese legends, the themes of loyalty, honor, and fidelity to marriage are held in highest regard. The Emperor's cruelty and Meng's sacrifice may seem extreme to Western eyes, but this is a pure story of love and honor to the Chinese. In their eyes, it is more sacred to end your own life than to link yourself to an evil person. Good for a 4th or 5th grade discussion! Yang Ming-Yi creates lovely, evocative watercolor-and-ink illustrations that add a dream-like quality to the tale. Ages 8-12.

[Jennifer Lanman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book it shows that men are supposed to be better than women. I liked this story because it shows the main character Meng being brave and doing something no women would ever think of doing. She traveled miles and miles to give warm clothes to her husband.She found out he had past and was brought to the Emperor. He forced her to marry her and she agreed as long as her husband got a funeral and was buried like a prince. Meng on her wedding day jumped off a cliff into the sea because she didn't want to marry the emperor. It shows that Meng had courage and that women can do anything as long as they put their minds to it. This can be used in a class room for a folk tale reading and the kids can do an activity. Write three things that would make you brave and why and add three pictures to go along with those 3 things. Then they would share with the class. Kids in grades 2nd and 3rd.

[Anna Dipprey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Journey of Meng is a great story that teaches abut bravery, and also outlines some major beliefs in Chinese culture. This story would be great for older elementary students because it has some graphic scenes and themes. I really like the watercolor illustrations.
This story could be used in a Folk literature lesson, teaching about Chinese culture and beliefs. This story could also be used to learn about comparisons of other Chinese folk literature books, and even folk literature books from other cultures.
This book would be best read aloud in order to spark discussion and probably would be best read along with another Chinese folk literature book in order to make comparisons between story lines, themes adn beliefs.

[Shaley Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was ok. I do not think the younger children would really understand what it was talking about some of the time. They might not know the history about china, and not knowing it would hinder someone while reading this book. It is a true love story though and thats what I liked about it.

[Sherry Thornberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had amazing pictures by Chinese artist Yang-Ming-Yi. It was the story of a families loss as the Great Wall of China was being built. I never considered the circumstances around the construction of the Great Wall. Now I know it was ordered by an evil emperor. This story had prompted me to look into the construction further. I enjoyed this read.

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book, but I'm not so sure that I would read this to a young child. The profound love and dedication that Meng had for her husband is a bit much for them to take in, especially since it lead to her death. Older children might be the best audience.

[skcocnaH · Rating 2 out of 5]

A compelling story, to be sure. I just don’t think it’s home should be in the picture book realm.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story. Am thinking about using it for the new school year but not for my Kindergartners