Communist China and Mao Zedong

1945 – 1976

In 1949, Mao Zedong and the Communist Party won China’s civil war, founding the People’s Republic of China. His rule included land reforms, industrialization, and the Cultural Revolution, a campaign that caused persecution, social upheaval, and the destruction of cultural heritage.

Picture books

Mao and Me

Story of the upheaval of the Cultural Revolution through the eyes of a young boy

Dancing to Freedom

True story of a boy selected by Mao’s government to become a dancer

Moth and Wasp, Soil and Ocean

Story of a farm boy learning about sustainable agriculture from real scientist Pu Zhelong

Chapter books and novels

Little Leap Forward

Story of two Beijing boys experiencing change during the Cultural Revolution

Little White Duck

Graphic novel about two sisters whose world changes when Mao dies

Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party

Novel about a girl whose life changes when one of Mao’s political officer moves in next door

Non-fiction books

China’s Long March

Story of the Communist army’s 6,000 mile march under Mao Zedong

Red Scarf Girl

Award-winning true story about a girl whose whole world changes during the Cultural Revolution

China’s Son

True story of a boy’s loss and rediscovery of his path during the Cultural Revolution

Homesick

Memoir of the children's author's childhood in the turbulence of 1920's China

Red Land, Yellow River

Beautifully illustrated true story of a boy forced to relocate to the countryside for “re-education” who finds his artistic voice

Girl Under a Red Moon

Vivid true story of a girl adjusting to life during the Cultural Revolution

Snow Falling in Spring

True story of a girl who lost everything during the cultural revolution and found solace in reading

Mao vs. Chiang: The Battle for China, 1925-1949

Describes the power struggle between Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Tse-tung

Biographies

Mao Zedong (Wicked History)

Gripping biography of Mao

Google Sites

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