kristie hammond

Eight-year-old Ting misses her parents, but her comfortable life in China hasn’t changed too much since they both went away to Canada. She’s living with loving relatives who care for her like their own child (even though her cousin is so annoying!). She goes to the same school with the same classes, including boring history and loads of homework. She has the same friends and the same favourites: hawthorn-berry candy and sticky taffy, outings to the park, visits with her grandfather in the country. If only she could be with her parents, life would be perfect!

When Ting is reunited with her parents, it’s not what she hoped for. After the Tiananmen Square disaster, the Chinese government has become suspicious of all students. It isn’t safe for Ting’s parents to come home, so Ting must travel to Canada to be with them. In a matter of days, her whole life is turned upside down. She’s living in a strange country in a tiny, bare apartment, and she sleeps on an old sofa. She doesn’t understand a word at school. Everything is new and puzzling and just plain difficult. She’s even teased about the affectionate name her family calls her: Ting Ting.

But Ting is brave and hardworking and soon graduates from the English-learners’ class. She discovers new favourites: doughnuts, hockey and the red-haired Anne in the book her teacher is reading. She makes a friend and sees a glimmer of hope: to finally belong in this new country a world away from China. But how can she make her parents understand?

Kristie Hammond has crafted a heartwarming tale of a young Chinese immigrant’s step-by-step entry into a new country and new life. Her character’s plucky determination will inspire new and old Canadians alike!