This book was well written and demonstrated the contrast between both the American and Chinese cultures. The young girl, Joan, is torn between fitting in with society and feeling limited by her parents' expectations of her. The dialogue and actions go well together to represent the confliction the young girl faces.

For example, after Joan returns from sledding in the snow, she tells her mom, ""Mr. Barrington's been to England, Mama." However, Mama was unimpressed. "And your father and I come from China." "But he's been on top of the Eiffel Tower." Emily would have slipped on a snow-covered patch, but I caught her. "And your father's been on top of the Great Wall." Mama pointed at a shovel resting against the side of the stairs. "Bobby, shovel the walk."" The opposing point of views are clearly shown through the dialogue and the lack of compassion between both the mother and daughter due to difference in cultural preference.

Another example of the sharp contrast between cultural views is shown through the narration. "I had never deliberately hidden the truth from my parents- well, not on big things. However, I couldn't help contrasting their attitudes with Mr. Barrington's. He made Victoria feel like a princess riding in a fancy automobile, being waited upon by a father who doted on her. My whole soul yearned to be her." This is a clear indication of Joan longing to be different than how her parents expect her to be.

The big idea/message of this story is to paint a picture of the complexities that lie in trying to balance two different cultures. It is a story of where one's loyalties lie and how to live in a different country whose traditions differ from one's own family origin. Love is powerful. ( )