Tradewind Books

The Secret Keepers

by Paul Yee

Read a sample Chapter

Description

In this novel set in San Francisco`s Chinatown before and after 1906, young Jackson Leong has to not only cope with the ghost of his brother who died in the earthquake, but also the mysterious ghost of a young woman who is haunting the family nickelodeon. A masterpiece of historical fiction that will take the reader on a roller coaster journey into the past.

Awards

• Selected for The White Ravens 2012 by the International Youth Library of Munich 2012
• Selected for the best of 2011 list by Resource Links Magazine 2011

Reviews

"Set in the rich landscape of San Francisco's Chinatown in the early 1900s, the history and diverse culture of the Chinese-American population are vividly brought to life . . . Yee has created another rich North American-Chinese ghost story to thrill his readers." - Resource Links

"Rich with Chinese folklore and historical detail, this masterful novel transports readers to a fascinating world still in touch with the supernatural" - The White Ravens 2012

"Paul Yee has created an interesting world for his young adult readers. They are taken back in time to the early twentieth century and placed in the world of Chinatown with its nickelodeon, its opium den, its temples and ghosts. ...

Readers of mystery books will enjoy the ghosts and supernatural elements in this story and solving the mystery of identity of the ghost girl in the blue Chinese smock. Those who like historical fiction will enjoy learning about various aspects and traditions of Chinese culture a century ago. And woven into both of these is Yee's story of Jackson who overcomes adversity, keeps his family from disgrace, and finally becomes a capable and admirable young man by the end of the novel. Highly recommended." - CM Magazine

"Paul Yee is a prolific author and winner of te Governor General's Award. He presents this tension-laden turn-of-the-century story of family secrets and cover-up with drama and suspense, an ideal formula for captivating young and reluctant readers. With a quickstep pace and unexpected twists, this is a compelling read that will engage all ages." - 

"Historical fiction readers open to a supernatural twist may enjoy the quirk mystery." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Book

Author Biography

Paul Yee is one of Canada's finest writers for children. He was raised in Vancouver and now lives in Toronto. He won the Governor General's Literary Award for Children's Literature for Ghost Train.