The Star Maker

Title: The Star Maker

Author: Laurence Yep

ISBN: 9780060253158

Summary

The story happens in the 1953, San Francisco, California. In the 50s, all Chinese have to live in the Chinatown because on will sell or rent to Chinese besides in Chinatown. As other Chinese, Artie and his family live in Chinese. Artie is the youngest and smallest in the family. Petey, one of the cousins, always pick on him. As usual, Petey picks on Artie in a family gathering again. Artie was overthrow by his madness and made a promise to buy firecrackers for everyone. Artie had an uncle name Uncle Chester. Uncle Chester is also the youngest in his generation and has been picked by others when his was young. Uncle Chester promises to help Artie with the firecrackers.

Review

The story is full of Chinese-American-culture atmosphere. I feel related to the story that I and Artie many similarities. I feel a little strange about the names of the characters. There are too little characters with a Chinese name. It is abnormal to me. Many Chinese, especially in Chinatown, still keep their Chinese name. I like the author use two characters to reflect on each other.  Artie sees Uncle Chester as a model when he grows up, and Uncle Chester is himself in Artie. They both learn from each other. The ending is very positive.