62 pages • 2 hours read
Ji-li JiangRed Scarf Girl
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1997A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang is a memoir that follows Ji-li's experiences from age 12 to 14 during China's Cultural Revolution. Initially a dedicated supporter of the Communist Party, Ji-li’s life is upturned by her family's "black" class status, leading to lost opportunities, persecution, and her father's detention. She ultimately chooses loyalty to her family over political pressure, facing significant personal conflict and growth. This memoir contains depictions of persecution, systemic injustice, and the effects of political turmoil on individuals and families.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang is widely appreciated for its poignant and personal portrayal of the Cultural Revolution through the eyes of a young girl. Readers commend its emotional depth and educational value. However, some find its narrative pacing uneven. Overall, Ji-li Jiang's memoir effectively engages readers with its sincere and thought-provoking content.
Who Should Read Red Scarf Girl?
A reader who would enjoy Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang is likely interested in historical memoirs, particularly those that explore personal experiences during significant political upheavals. Comparable to fans of The Diary of Anne Frank and I Am Malala, this reader seeks poignant, firsthand accounts of resilience and transformation.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
780L