Freedom Swimmer

Opening in 1962 and then resuming in 1968, and inspired by her father’s experiences, Chim (The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling) tells a powerful tale of two boys who have seemingly nothing in common as they toil through the years under China’s Communist regime. Ming Hong, 11, has survived the Great Leap Forward, though it left him an orphan, and now works diligently in the fields with his friends. When city boys from the Party’s reeducation program come to Dingzai village, Ming doubts whether they’ll fit in. Despite this, Ming befriends the charming and respected Li, and through evening swims and candid conversations, the two become confidants, sharing secrets, forbidden thoughts, and dreams. As Li’s growing fondness for village life and their ideals is noticed by his comrades and he is rendered an outcast, Li decides to act on their dream and suggests the impossible: a daring escape to freedom. This stark, compelling historical narrative, enriched with sensory details and interwoven Chinese, effectively recounts the fierce resolve and bravery of the real-life freedom swimmers. Front matter includes a note on phonetics; back matter features an author’s note saluting the real-life freedom swimmers, including her father. Ages 12–up. (Nov.)