Girl in Translation

Jean Kwok's Girl in Translation is the story of eleven-year-old Kim Chang and her mother, who emigrate from Hong Kong to the United States hoping for a better life.  When they arrive, they find themselves indebted to Aunt Paula who is charging them for their air fare and controlling where they live by putting them in an unheated, broken windowed, unfurnished apartment and collecting their rent money besides.  The only work they can get is also controlled by Aunt Paula - backbreaking labor in her sweatshop in Chinatown.  Kim attends the local school and works to excel but finds it difficult, since she, too, must work in the factory. 

The sweatshop scenes are heartbreaking as Kim is not the youngest worker; many other children must work there to help their parents.  Despite her age, Kim assumes adult responsibilities - even filling out her mother's tax forms.  This is an interesting and worthwhile read about the tensions of being between two worlds.  The story rings true.  I recommend it highly.