Ties That Bind, Ties That Break

• Genre: Fiction; young adult historical
• Originally Published: 1999
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 830L; grades 7-12
• Structure/Length: 11 chapters, prologue, and epilogue; approximately 154 pages; approximately 3 hours, 37 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The central conflict in the story revolves around Ailin, a young Chinese girl growing up during the early 20th century. Ailin defies societal norms and tradition by refusing to have her feet bound—a painful practice still customary in traditional households for girls of her time. Her decision to break with tradition leads to a journey of self-discovery, independence, and the pursuit of education. The novel explores gender equality, cultural expectations, and the courage of the human spirit.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Discussion of foot binding and its cultural significance; historical themes; reference to suicide; mature content

Lensey Namioka, Author

• Bio: Born 1929; Chinese American author known for her young adult and children’s books; often writes about cultural and identity themes, drawing from her own experiences as a Chinese immigrant to the United States; known for her ability to blend storytelling with themes of identity, family, and tradition
• Other Works: Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear (1993); April and the Dragon Lady (1994); Half and Half (1995); An Ocean Apart, a World Away (2001)
• Awards: National Book Award Finalist in Young People’s Literature (1999)