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Starred Review Like Spilled Water

  • Interest Level: Grade 8 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 6

Nineteen-year-old Na has always lived in the shadow of her younger brother, Bao-bao, her parents’ cherished son. Years ago, Na’s parents left her in the countryside and went to work in the city, bringing Bao-bao along and committing everything to his education.

But when Bao-bao dies suddenly, Na realizes how little she knew him. Did he really kill himself because of a low score on China’s all-important college entrance exam? Na learns that Bao-bao had many secrets and that his death may not be what it seems. Na’s parents expect her to quit her vocational school and go to work, forcing Na to confront traditional expectations for and pressures on young women.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-5415-7290-4
 $14.24
978-1-7284-0469-1
 $23.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 8 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 6
Genre Young Adult
Category Diverse Books: Feminism, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2020
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Lab ®
Language English
Number of Pages 216
Publication Date 2020-09-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS YAF046030, YAF058050, YAF018070
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.5 x 8.25
Lexile 830
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Awards, Reviewed, Starred Reviews, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Awards

  • Notable Award YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, Nominated, 2022
  • Notable Award In the Margins: Fiction List, Short-listed, 2022
  • Freeman Book Award Title Of Note, Commended, 2020

Reviews

Starred Review Booklist

Reviewed on 10 September 2020

“[A] powerful tale of a brave young woman who dares to question when others simply accept.”—starred, Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

Reviewed on 1 July 2020

“[F]ilters detailed depictions of filial piety, funeral rites, grief, romantic relationships, and parental support through a modern teenager’s perspective. . . . Will lead readers through a quiet revolution.”—Kirkus Reviews

Jennifer Moffett

“[A]n immersive, riveting book…Liu weaves an inspiring story through compelling characters.”—Jennifer Moffett, author of Those Who Prey

Amber Smith

“Full of suspense and honesty, Like Spilled Water is an illuminating and heartrending examination of cultural norms, gender roles, and the complexity of family relationships in China today.” —Amber Smith, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be and The Last to Let Go

Amelia Brunskill

“Family obligations, personal desires, and secret lives collide in this tense yet graceful novel about a girl seeking the truth behind her brother’s unexpected death.”—Amelia Brunskill, author of The Window