Family & Characters
Who is Adeline's loving aunt who always supports her?
Aunt Baba
What prestigious prize does Adeline often win at school?
The weekly medal/academic medal
What utensil commonly used in Chinese culture appears throughout the story?
Chopsticks
What feeling does Adeline often experience within her family?
Feeling left out, unwanted, or unloved
“Mama died giving birth to you. If you had not been born, Mama would still be alive. She died because of you. You are bad luck.”
Big Sister
What nickname does Adeline's family use to refer to her?
Wu Mei/Fifth Daughter)
Why does Adeline work so hard in school?
To earn recognition and make her father proud
What gift does Father give Adeline after she gets lost in Shanghai?
A map of Shanghai
Besides family, where does Adeline feel she truly belongs?
At school
Why is Aunt Baba important in Adeline's life?
She provides love, comfort, and encouragement.
Who becomes the head of the household after Nai Nai dies?
Niang
Why does Adeline end up lost after her first day at Sacred Heart School?
No one comes to pick her up, so she tries to walk home.
What do Adeline's school medals symbolize?
Her hard work, achievement, and hope for acceptance.
Name one way favoritism is shown in Adeline's family.
Niang favors her own children, Adeline is ignored despite achievements, etc.
Complete the idea: Despite her family's treatment, Adeline continues to
Persevere/work hard/succeed.
Why does Niang become especially angry with Adeline after Little Sister arrives?
Adeline tells Niang to stop beating Little Sister
Why does Father secretly move the family from Tianjin to Shanghai?
To escape danger from the Japanese occupation/business pressures.
What does the map Father gives Adeline represent beyond navigation?
Independence, self-reliance, finding her own way.
Explain one way education empowers Adeline throughout the story.
It gives her confidence, opportunities, recognition, and hope for a better future.
Which relationship best demonstrates unconditional love in the novel, and why?
Adeline and Aunt Baba, with explanation.
Compare Father and Aunt Baba's influence on Adeline. How are they different?
Father is distant and rarely shows affection; Aunt Baba consistently supports and believes in Adeline
How does Adeline's experience of getting lost reflect the larger journey of her life?
She must learn to rely on herself because no one is looking after her.
Choose one symbol in the novel (medal, map, school, etc.) and explain what it represents.
Answer varies with justification
If you could summarize the central message of Chinese Cinderella in one sentence, what would it be?
Answer varies: resilience, hope, perseverance despite rejection, etc.
If you were Adeline, what would you have done differently in one major situation? Defend your answer using evidence from the novel.
varies with justification.