Daughter of Blue City: A Novel of Coming-of-Age Through Revolutionary China

*** 2026 International Book Awards, Winner for Inspirational Fiction, Winner for Young Adult Fiction, Finalist for Multicultural Fiction
*** 2026 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY), Bronze Medal for Multicultural Fiction
*** 2026 Independent Press Award (IPA): Distinguished Favorite for Cultural Heritage
*** 2025 Best Book Awards (22nd Annual Awards by American Book Fest), Finalist for Multicultural Fiction
*** The 2025 Goethe Book Awards for Post-1750 Historical Fiction, Long-listed

How do you survive when the world you know is at war with itself?

In the unyielding chaos of China's Cultural Revolution, young Lianlian's life is a constant battle against family violence, public shame, and brutal poverty. Raised by a resilient mother and anchored by her little sister, she learns to endure, but with a family fractured by divorce, a future seems impossible.

When the political climate finally shifts and the nation scrambles for direction, Lianlian discovers her most powerful weapon is her mind. With few options left, she fixates on a single a chance at a university education. Fueled by sheer will and the quiet support of her mother, she fights for her spot at a top university, seeing it as the one true path to building a life of her own.

If you like any books on Chinese culture by Amy Tan and Lisa See and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, you will like this book!