by Guo Yue
ages 7/8-12

Little Leap Forward is a boy in Bejing, China in 1966. It is the height of Chairman Mao’s reign, but it hasn’t really touched Leap Forward’s life much. He still plays by the river with his best friend, Little-Little, and he still enjoys his silkworms and the music he hears around him. One day, the boys capture a little yellow bird, which Leap Forward calls Little Cloud. He takes the bird home, intending on taming it and enjoying it’s music. The bird, once caged, won’t sing. Then the Red Guards arrive and Leap Forward’s life — and perspective — change.

This is a small autobiographical novel that while not detailed, I think caputures something different about the Cultural Revolution and China during that time. Leap Forward isn’t running from anything, he isn’t being oppressed; he’s mostly just trying to be a kid. Yet, because of the bird and a bamboo flute and a desire, his life was changed. There is a simple humanity and kindness to the book that I don’t remember finding in the other books I’ve read about this time.

Additonally, I loved the paintings, done by Clare Follows, Gue’s wife; they’re simple, yet beautiful. Something that I could spend time absorbing. But I have to admit, what I enjoyed most was the author’s note at the end where Gue tells part of his story. It’s touching and sad and sweet and just perfect. He as also released a CD called Music, Food and Love, which I’d love to find and listen to. He sounds like a remarkable man, one with a fascinating story to tell.

(Just for the record: because this is a Cybils nominee, I’ve been asked to make sure y’all know this is my opinion only, and not that of the panel.)