Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah
CCCS- 7L1-L4, L6 (analysis, theme, story elements, text meanings, point of view); Writing 7L9 (provide supporting evidence), Speaking and Listening 7L1 (collaboration; Speaking and Listening (informal speaking); Voc 7L4 (words in context; Convention &l1-3 (usage, sentence structure, commas, precise language); ELACC7W7-9(short research to gather information and draw evidence to answer a question)
This book is the moving autobiography of a young Chinese girl, Adeline Yen Mah. Born the fifth child to an affluent Chinese family her life begins tragically. Adeline’s mother died shortly after her birth due to complications bought on by the delivery, and in Chinese culture this marks her as cursed or bad luck. This situation is compounded by her father’s new marriage to a lady who has little affection for her husband’s five children. The book outlines Adeline’s struggle to find a place where she feels she belongs.
Students will read for story elements, author point of view, tone, text structure, and comprehension Students will also conduct a short research topic to contribute to the understanding of the novel. Students will read a variation of the Cinderella fairy tale. Students will read relating short stories and relating poems. Students will take a test and also view some videos concerning the novel and author and write a short response.
As you read each chapter, write one paragraph as a constructed response per Section for a total of seven responses. Remember your responses must have the following:
Title/Author/Genre Write question in statement form with opinion Write a quote in correct format ( The author explains, “Words, words, words, words” (22). Explanation 2+ sentences following quote to connect your opinion and quote.
Section 1 – Chapters 1-3 – Choose one
Chapter 1 Explain the significance of Aunt Baba’s safe-deposit box. Why does Aunt Baba put Wu-Mei’s school award in the safe-deposit box with her precious jewels? Be sure to include specific text support in your response.
Chapter 2 Compare Niang and Aunt Baba. Who is Wu Mei closer to? Be sure to include evidence from the text in your response.
Chapter 3 How is Wu Mei treated by the rest of her family? How does she feel about their actions? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Section 2 – Chapter 4 – 6 Choose one
Chapter 4 What is one significant event that occurs in WuMei’s family during this chapter? How does it affect her? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response. Chapter 5 How do you think living in Shanghai will be different from living in Tianjin for Wu Mei and her family? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Chapter 6 Why does the author use italics for the lines on page 28? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Section 3 – Chapter 7-10 0- Choose one
Chapter 7 How does the author use foreshadowing in this chapter? What is the effect on the reader? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Chapter 8 How does Niang show that she is in charge of the family? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Chapter 9 Are all the children of the family treated fairly? Explain your answer using evidence from the text.
Chapter 10 What advice does Wu Mei receive from Third Brother? Describe one situation in this chapter for which this advice would (or would not) be helpful. Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Section 4 Chapters 11-13 Choose one
Chapter 11 Describe Adeline’s relationship with PLT. Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Chapter 12 Describe the conflict over the jade pendant. What is the result? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Chapter 13 Is WuMei’s plan to deceive Niang successful? Explain your response. Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Section 5 – Chapters 14-16 – Choose one
Chapter 14 Compare and contrast the different treatment Adeline receives from her family and her classmates. Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Chapter 15 Why is it ironic that Adeline has been brought to St. Joseph’s boarding school? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Chapter 16 What is different about YeYe in this chapter? What has caused the change? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Section 6 – Chapters 17-20- Choose one
Chapter 17 Why does Adeline consider herself lucky in this chapter? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Chapter 18 How does Adeline feel about reading and books? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response. Chapter 19 Can any of Adeline’s friends relate to her difficult family situation? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Chapter 20 Despair is a shared emotion in this chapter. Describe one character’s situation. Is there any reason for this character to be hopeful about the future? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Section 7 – Chapters 21-22 – Choose one
Chapter 21 What is Adeline’s perception of herself? Is she correct? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.
Chapter 22 Why is Aunt Baba’s story special to Adeline? Be sure to include specific evidence from the text in your response.