The Diary of Ma Yan: The Struggles and Hopes of a Chinese Schoolgirl

“Heartbreakingly inspirational.” (AsianWeek)

Ma Yan's heart-wrenching, honest diary chronicles her struggle to escape hardship through her persistent, sometimes desperate, attempts to continue her schooling.

In a drought-stricken corner of rural China, an education can be the difference between a life of crushing poverty and the chance for a better future. But for Ma Yan, money is scarce, and the low wages paid for backbreaking work aren't always enough to pay school fees, or even to provide enough food for herself and her family.

The publication of The Diary of Ma Yan was an international sensation, creating an outpouring of support for this courageous teenager and others like her . . . all due to one ordinary girl's extraordinary diary.

"You don't review this small book; you tell people about it and say, 'Read it.'" (Washington Post)

Wednesday, November 7

My father gave me and my brother a little money. My stomach is all twisted up with hunger, but I don't want to spend the money on anything as frivolous as food. Because it's money my parents earn with their sweat and blood.

I have to study well so that I won't ever again be tortured by hunger. . . .

In a drought-stricken corner of rural China, an education can be the difference between a life of crushing poverty and the chance for a better future. But money is scarce, and the low wages paid for backbreaking work aren't always enough to pay school fees.

Ma Yan's heart-wrenching, honest diary chronicles her struggle to escape hardship and bring prosperity to her family through her persistent, sometimes desperate, attempts to continue her schooling.

First published in France in 2002, the diary of ma yan created an outpouring of support for this courageous teenager and others like her -- support that led to the creation of an international organization dedicated to helping these children . . . all because of one ordinary girl's extraordinary diary.

“Affecting. Will open youngster’s eyes.” - Publishers Weekly

“A compelling, heartbreaking story of poverty, deprivation, and hope.” - Vancouver Sun

“A compelling, heartbreaking story of poverty, deprivation, and hope.” - Vancouver Sun

“Young readers are likely to rally in support of a peer’s struggle.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Paint[s] a vivid portrait of the daily life of a child in a part of the world seldom visited.” - School Library Journal

“Heartbreakingly inspirational.” - AsianWeek

“Will push readers to a new understanding of the hardscrabble existence endured by many [and] underscore how much teens everywhere have in common.” - ALA Booklist

“Puts an unforgettable human face on the struggle. . . . You don’t review this small book; you tell people about it and say, ‘Read it.’” - Washington Post Book World