Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people—one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown—on perilous journeys to save their...
Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people—one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown—on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” —Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
In ancient Chang’An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers. Read More
Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people—one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown—on perilous journeys to save their...
Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people—one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown—on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” —Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
In ancient Chang’An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers. Read More
Description
Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people—one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown—on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” —Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
In ancient Chang’An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.
In New York’s Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents’ restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.
Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang’An and financial crisis threatens Luli’s family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world—and into danger-filled adventure—to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser’s epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.
“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply dazzling and the best book I’ve read in a long time.” —James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies
Details
Pages: 432
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Allida
Publication Date: 16th September 2025
ISBN: 9780063284456
Reviews
“Unforgettable and absolutely magical, Han Yu and Luli bring the unfamiliar into our hearts and show us how the ordinary and everyday are full of wonder. An enthralling, enchanting, enlightening read.” — Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author of A Long Walk to Water
“To make this beautiful book: Knead two family heroes, a scrap of silk, and a pinch of magic tiger in a bowl. Cut the tension with a knife, then roll into chapters. Place a heaping teaspoon of friendship, poetry, and adventure in the center, and pleat into a bao. Put characters over hot water and steam for nine months, then serve and savoir immediately.” — Alan Gratz, bestselling author of Refugee
“This masterful book is a major gem. I absolutely loved it.” — Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honoree and bestselling author of A Rover’s Story
“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply DAZZLING and the best book I’ve read in a long time.” — James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” — Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
“Connecting two brave heroes across time and space, Karina Yan Glaser has woven a shimmering treasure of a tale.” — Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honoree and author of The Last Mapmaker
Author Bio
Karina Yan Glaser is the author of the New York Times bestselling Vanderbeekers series and the stand-alone novel A Duet for Home, which received three starred reviews and has been nominated for more than a dozen state awards.A former middle school teacher, Karina lives in Harlem, New York City, with her husband, two teens, and an assortment of pets and houseplants. One of her proudest achievements is raising two kids who can’t go anywhere without a book.
Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people—one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown—on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” —Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
In ancient Chang’An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.
In New York’s Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents’ restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.
Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang’An and financial crisis threatens Luli’s family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world—and into danger-filled adventure—to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser’s epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.
“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply dazzling and the best book I’ve read in a long time.” —James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies
Pages: 432
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Allida
Publication Date: 16th September 2025
ISBN: 9780063284456
“Unforgettable and absolutely magical, Han Yu and Luli bring the unfamiliar into our hearts and show us how the ordinary and everyday are full of wonder. An enthralling, enchanting, enlightening read.” — Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author of A Long Walk to Water
“To make this beautiful book: Knead two family heroes, a scrap of silk, and a pinch of magic tiger in a bowl. Cut the tension with a knife, then roll into chapters. Place a heaping teaspoon of friendship, poetry, and adventure in the center, and pleat into a bao. Put characters over hot water and steam for nine months, then serve and savoir immediately.” — Alan Gratz, bestselling author of Refugee
“This masterful book is a major gem. I absolutely loved it.” — Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honoree and bestselling author of A Rover’s Story
“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply DAZZLING and the best book I’ve read in a long time.” — James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” — Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
“Connecting two brave heroes across time and space, Karina Yan Glaser has woven a shimmering treasure of a tale.” — Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honoree and author of The Last Mapmaker
Karina Yan Glaser is the author of the New York Times bestselling Vanderbeekers series and the stand-alone novel A Duet for Home, which received three starred reviews and has been nominated for more than a dozen state awards.A former middle school teacher, Karina lives in Harlem, New York City, with her husband, two teens, and an assortment of pets and houseplants. One of her proudest achievements is raising two kids who can’t go anywhere without a book.
