There are so many details that will come alive for readers - including customs and technology of the time period - in addition to the critical themes of resilience and overcoming the blatant prejudice of the period. The setting is reasonably unique for the target audience, which works in the book's favor. I like to see this in books for this age group - Mercy is a strong character who takes steps to control her own destiny, and she might like a boy, but she's making her own choices to live her life and look after the people who count on her. Mercy's story belongs to her all the way through, without an emphasis on this relationship.

There is a line of romance running through the book in the form of Tom - an herbalist's son from Chinatown who creates flying contraptions, including a hot air balloon. Her hard work isn't merely selfish, either - she admits her faults, takes some lumps, and looks out for others. The unjust practices of the time period are presented matter-of-factly, and Mercy's ingenuity never disappoints - whether she is cutting chocolate deals with local business owners or faking her way through a Chinese tea ceremony. Mercy's struggles are so compelling because her determination is so inspiring. Paint the Wind Book Quiz and Resource Page Strong-willed Mercy Wong leads a cast of diverse characters in this extraordinary tale of survival.Catherine, Called Birdy Book Quiz and Resource Page But what can one teenaged girl do to heal so many suffering in her broken city?īreakout author Stacey Lee masterfully crafts another remarkable novel set against a unique historical backdrop. Fires might rage, and the city may be in shambles, yet Mercy still has the 'bossy' cheeks that mark her as someone who gets things done. Mercy can't sit by while they wait for the Army to bring help. With martial law in effect, she is forced to wait with her classmates for their families in a temporary park encampment.

On April 18, an historic earthquake rocks San Francisco, destroying Mercy's home and school. Not to be undone by a bunch of spoiled heiresses, Mercy stands strong - until disaster strikes.

Clare's is off-limits to all but the wealthiest white girls, Mercy gains admittance through a mix of cunning and a little bribery, only to discover that getting in was the easiest part. Clare's School for Girls is her best hope. San Francisco, 1906: Fifteen-year-old Mercy Wong is determined to break from the poverty in Chinatown, and an education at St. From the author of the critically acclaimed Under a Painted Sky, an unforgettable story of determination set against a backdrop of devastating tragedy.

Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee