Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier
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In this action-packed adventure and coming-of-age story that finely weaves fact and fiction, thirteen-year-old Ming lives in a small village in Maoist China in the 1970s. His father is convinced that Emperor Qin’s tomb―and the life-size terra-cotta army created to serve and protect the emperor in the afterlife―lies hidden in the hills around them. But if Ming’s father doesn’t prove it soon, the town’s Political Officer will condemn him to the brutal labor camps. From the stories of a terra-cotta soldier who has survived through the centuries, Ming learns the history of Emperor Qin, known for building the Great Wall of China, and how and why the terra-cotta soldiers came to be. As their unlikely friendship develops, Ming experiences the mysterious tomb firsthand, braving deadly traps and witnessing the terra-cotta army in action. Most importantly, he comes to see how he can save both the terra-cotta soldiers and his father from the corrupt Political Officer and his Communist cronies.
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Praise for Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier
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“An excellent adventure with many facts about ancient China”
— The Morning Call “Historical photos and Indiana Jones–style adventure enrich this tale of an unusual meeting between the Qin Dynasty and the 20th century.” — Kirkus Reviews “Despite the hardships, both courageous characters work to uphold their respective duties: Shi to protect the tomb and Ming to protect the cultural legacy of China’s people. With archival art, recipes, and endnotes, this title is sure to be a hit in the classroom.” — Booklist “...history is skillfully woven into the action. The statue's backstory and the secret traps of the tomb provide ample adventure.” — School Library Journal “…a wonderful way to introduce readers to Chinese history, both near recent and ancient.” — Association of Children’s Librarians |
Awards & Accolades
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New Asian Writing Interview
Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier is written by Ying Chang Compestine who grew up in China and now lives in Lafayette, California. She is a popular author of children’s books, cookbooks, and novels. Ying’s son, Vinson Compestine, is a National Merit Scholar currently studying at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.
Read an interview from authors Ying Compestine and Vinson Compestine on their mother-and-son collaboration!
Read an interview from authors Ying Compestine and Vinson Compestine on their mother-and-son collaboration!
Follow Ying on social media!
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