In order to save her family's farm, Roshen, sixteen, must leave her rural home to work in a factory in the south of China. There she finds arduous and degrading conditions and contempt for her minority (Uyghur) background. Sustained by her bond with other Uyghur girls, Roshen is resolved to endure all to help her family and ultimately her people. A workplace survival story, this gritty, poignant account focuses on a courageous teen and illuminates the value-and cost-of freedom.
"Readers will admire Roshen's resilience in the face of stark exploitation."
Publishers Weekly
"A thought-provoking look at oppression and the power of words from a viewpoint not often heard."
Kirkus Reviews
"A harsh and provocative look at oppression, this novel brings to light the tense, yet infrequently discussed, relationship between the Uyghur people and the people of mainland China. La Valley's time spent with the Uyghur, traveling across the Taklamakan Desert, adds an impressive layer of emotion and authenticity, reminding readers of the ultimate power of words to change one's world."
