Andrea Cheng taught English as a second language in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lived with her husband and three children. Honeysuckle House is based in part on the experiences of her children. She was also the author of the novels Marika, The Lace Dowry, Eclipse, and The Bear Makers.
* "With a smoothly drawn and interesting plot, strong characters,
and graceful writing, the story has more immediacy than much
realistic contemporary fiction." --School Library Journal, starred
review
"This deft character-driven story about two ten-year-old girls
rings with clarity. . . . Honesty and subtlety co-exist in Cheng's
thoughtful, never-didactic writing." --Kirkus Reviews
"This will satisfy readers not quite ready for An Na's immigrant
drama Step From Heaven, or those simply looking for a different
take on the old story of new friendship." --Bulletin of the Center
for Children's Books
Gr 3-5-The honeysuckle house (a spot under a large honeysuckle bush) is where fourth-grader Sarah, a Chinese-American girl, plays with her friend Victoria until the girl suddenly moves away. Sarah's story is juxtaposed with her classmate Ting's, a new immigrant from China. Told in first person in alternating chapters, the narratives balance well between large issues (like Ting's parents' employment and legal problems and Victoria's abrupt departure) and more intimate ones (people assume that Sarah can speak Chinese, and Ting has to adjust to all of the new smells in America). With a smoothly drawn and interesting plot, strong characters, and graceful writing, the story has more immediacy than much realistic contemporary fiction. There are some truly memorable scenes, such as when Ting and Sarah explore Victoria's deserted house, and when Ting breaks a vase in the house where her mother cleans. With a strong social conscience behind it as well, this absorbing novel has a lot going for it.-Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
* "With a smoothly drawn and interesting plot, strong characters,
and graceful writing, the story has more immediacy than much
realistic contemporary fiction." --School Library Journal, starred
review
"This deft character-driven story about two ten-year-old girls
rings with clarity. . . . Honesty and subtlety co-exist in Cheng's
thoughtful, never-didactic writing." --Kirkus Reviews
"This will satisfy readers not quite ready for An Na's immigrant
drama Step From Heaven, or those simply looking for a different
take on the old story of new friendship." --Bulletin of the Center
for Children's Books
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