Honeyman, Kay. The Fire Horse Girl.

Honeyman, Kay.  The Fire Horse Girl.  Scholastic/Arthur Levine    2013 321p  $17.99  ISBN 978-0-545-40310-8     jr/sr       Multicultural     E-BN 

Jade Moon’s mother died giving birth to a daughter born under the sign of the Fire Horse. For a Chinese family, anyone born under the Fire Horse sign is very bad luck for the family. Jade lived with her dad and her grandfather and their luck had indeed changed. They were hoping they could marry Jade Moon and change their luck. That is when Sterling Promise arrived in her village. He came looking for his adoptive father’s family so they could take over the business in San Francisco. Jade was very surprised to learn she had an uncle, even if he had passed away. Sterling convinced Jade’s father to travel with him to America, but in exchange, Sterling would have to promise to marry Jade Moon.

Once they arrived in San Francisco, the Chinese immigrants had to pass through Angel Island for their papers to be processed, and this could take a long time.  It was here that Jade made a few friends and discovered that her father had made marriage arrangements for her, but before being able to get married she would have to return to China and then return to the states. Just a few steps from freedom was all the incentive Jade needed to figure out how to stay in America. She managed to trick the authorities and enter America dressed as a boy. She was picked up by a group of young men looking for helpers.  Unfortunately, freedom came with a very high price – it could cost her her life if she was not careful. This heroine is spunky, brave and sometimes foolish but you can’t help but like her and cheer her on!!!!

This is an excellent read.  The story is boldly told and will keep readers turning those pages.      

Chinese Americans, Immigrants, Astrology                          --Magna Diaz