Product Description

In twelfth-century China, a young boy is sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit

Since the death of his mother, Baoliu has grown apart from his father and bitterly resents his father's new wife. One night an intruder breaks into the family's home and Baoliu's stepmother is murdered. Baoliu is accused of the crime, convicted, and sentenced to be beheaded-a common practice in twelfth-century China. At the last minute a business arrangement, a kadi, is made-and another man is paid to die in Baoliu's place. As Baoliu witnesses the execution of his innocent substitute, he vows to clear his name and restore the family's honor.

Critically acclaimed author Don Wulffson follows Baoliu, an outcast of society, willing to do anything and everything, as he struggles to prove his innocence.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1899357 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-15
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .69" h x 5.72" w x 8.54" l, .74 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 1 pages

From Booklist
In late twelfth-century China, 16-year-old Baoliu becomes bitter when his beloved mother dies and his father quickly takes another wife. After his stepmother's murder, Baoliu is accused, tried, and found guilty of the crime, but his life is spared when his wealthy father pays to have another executed in his place. Baoliu watches his stand-in beheaded, then leaves home to make his way in poverty. Shunned and despised, he survives with the help of a few new friends, and he searches for ways to right old wrongs and challenge corruption in his community. This vivid historical novel takes readers to another time and place for an absorbing story with several unexpected developments and reversals of fortune. Although quickly sketched, the characters are consistent and convincing, and their stories are well worth following. Baoliu shows many facets of adolescent angst, but he slowly matures as new experiences reveal others' points of view and increase his self-reliance. Short and dramatic, with an unusual setting and a satisfying conclusion. Phelan, Carolyn

Review

About the Author

DON WULFFSON is the author of more than forty books, including Soldier X, Point Blank, Toys, The Upside-Down Ship, Aliens, Future Fright, and The Kid Who Invented the Popsicle. He lives in New York City.