The Paper Menagerie by Ken Liu (grades 10+)

Ken Liu’s short story, The Paper Menagerie deals with the alienation that many first and second generation immigrants feel– both from and towards their host and home culture. This piece explores the relationship between a mother and her son Jack, both who deal with expectations from their society and family differently. To his mom, Jack’s existence is proof that her culture is capable of bringing her joy, and not just the racism that she continually experiences in this foreign land. To Jack, his mom and Chinese heritage are nothing but stumps from an uprooted tree.

Ken Liu is a multiple Hugo Award-winning author in science fiction and fantasy. An innovative writer and pioneer of the “silkpunk” genre with his Dandelion Dynasty series, Ken Liu is a mainstay of modern-day fiction for young adults.