The summer of 1972, before I turned nine, danger began knocking on doors all over China.
Nine-year-old Ling has a very happy life. Her parents are both dedicated surgeons at the best hospital in Wuhan, and her father teaches her English as they listen to Voice of America every evening on the radio. But when one of Mao's political officers moves into a room in their apartment, Ling begins to witness the gradual disintegration of her world. In an atmosphere of increasing mistrust and hatred, Ling fears for the safety of her neighbors, and soon, for herself and her family. For the next four years, Ling will suffer more horrors than many people face in a lifetime. Will she be able to grow and blossom under the oppressive rule of Chairman Mao? Or will fighting to survive destroy her spirit-and end her life?
Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Ying Chang Compestine grew up in China and now lives in California with her husband and son. She is the author of the young adult novel Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party, the YA story collection A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts, as well as several picture books for children and cookbooks for adults.