When Deng Xiaoping was born on August 22, 1904, China was still ruled by the Qing Dynasty, but many people longed for a new China. Although Deng was in and out of favor during his eventful life, he became one of the most powerful and influential Chinese leaders. Deng’s life spans the Japanese invasion, the rise of Communism, the Long March, the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution, and the Tiananmen Square confrontation. Perhaps more than any other person Deng Xiaoping is responsible for shaping modern China.

Society of School Librarian International Award 2001 & Bank Street College Best Children’s Books of the Year 2002