March 13

Baba: A Return to China upon my Father's Shoulders
By Belle Yang

This unique book chronicles the memories of the author's father, Baba (Papa, in Chinese), growing up in Japanese-occupied Manchuria before and during World War 2.  As the fourth of 7 children, Baba observes the old ways (49-day funeral ritual, ancient wedding rituals, living Buddhas) give way to the contemporary.  He also witnesses famine and political turmoil, as first the Japanese, then the Russians, then civil war between the nationalists and communists tears his country and even his wealthy family apart.  Belle's lyric writing about this exotic culture is peopled with not only amusing relatives and family friends but also ancient folklore, and is enhanced by her stunning artwork that precedes each chapter.