Alone Like Me

When Lìlíng and her family move from the mountains of China, hùko˘u—a registration system that determines legal access to resources—means that she’s unable to attend school in their new city home. Portrayed in a dark red coat, Lìlíng spends her days with her Maˉma and Bàba at their factory jobs, wishing for a friend. When she briefly spots a girl in a “sunshine yellow” coat, Lìlíng becomes determined to find and befriend her, eventually discovering that she’s a neighbor. Watercolor images and spare text by Evans portray crowded streets and tall skyscrapers in watery grays and blues, while bright-colored notes exchanged between the friends via their residences’ balconies provide a fitting contrast that hints at their blossoming friendship. A motif of dragons and tigers—metaphors for courage and strength—add to the narrative’s emotional depth. Back matter includes an author’s note. Ages 4–8. (May)