Red Scarf Girl Book Report

Red Scarf Girl

Red Scarf Girl is a memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Ji-Li Jiang. It is a book in which Ji-Li tells her own very personal narrative of the experiences that happened to her within this unstable period of Chinese culture. Seventh grade students will be glued to the pages of this book as they learn about one girl’s personal journey during a destructive period of Chinese history. Ji-Li is a positive role model for seventh grade students because she is concerned about doing well in school. Even in the face of incredible odds, Ji-Li continues to pursue her dream of getting good grades in school. Things were not easy for Ji-Li during this time of social injustice in China, but she continued to be positive. Red Scarf Girl gives seventh grade students an opportunity to greatly enhance their vocabulary and reading skills. Seventh grade students will gain knowledge of the Chinese Cultural Revolution and increase their
terminology usage through looking at one girl’s personal experience. She is an inspiration to everyone. One reason, the book Red Scarf Girl is an excellent book for seventh grade students to read is because it is about the Cultural Revolution in China. Since most seventh grade students do not have that much knowledge about the Cultural Revolution they will become more informed about China and their culture. For example, Ji-Li Jiang explains that if they didn’t follow the rules and respect Chairman Mao they would be punished. One punishment that they could have gotten was to be put in jail. A quote from the book is “If I can help Americans to understand China, and the Chinese to learn about the United States, even a little I will feel rewarded. I will have contributed something to my country, China, and my home America. I hope this book will be part of that mission.” This quote from the book shows Ji-Li also thinks most Americans don’t know a lot about this part of China’s history. The topic of this book will teach many student’s about some of China’s history. Learning about the Cultural Revolution in China is great for seventh grade students because it is a particular part of history we don’t hear about every day and it shows how lucky we are to have our freedom.

Another reason why Red Scarf Girl is an amazing book for seventh grade students to read is because the main character Ji-Li was a great student with high grades and kept a positive outlook.
Ji-Li was a good student and when things were not going well she was positive. She is a good role model for students, and by reading this book seventh graders could become better students. For example, when Ji-Li thought she was not a good student anymore she and her classmates found out she did not have a good class background. She still maintained good grades. This quote “Your Mandarin is excellent and you won several speech contests” states she was a great student and always tried her best! By understanding that Ji-Li is a wonderful student, some students can change and get better grades and have a positive outlook like Ji-Li. All in all, Ji-Li is a great role model in showing students to try their best and always keep positive. This is another reason why Red Scarf Girl is a good book for seventh grade
students. The third reason why Red Scarf Girl is a good book for seventh grade students to read is because it presents them with an opportunity to expand their vocabulary. Expanding student’s vocabulary will help students make their writing more interesting. For instance, the author Ji-Li Jiang uses the word “auspicious” which is a higher level and complex word for seventh graders. A quote used in the book “The classroom buzzed with revolutionary fervor.” shows a new complex term for most seventh graders and this word will be able to be added in some of their writing. By the author using these complex words it helps students to utilize new terminology in their writing and everyday life. In summary, using interesting and complex words will benefit all the seventh graders. In conclusion, Red Scarf Girl teaches seventh grade students several extremely valuable lessons. It gives them a lesson in history. It also shows how one girl was a true hero in the eyes of her family and every student who reads her book. A seventh grader will feel intelligent by reading a book that stretches their vocabulary skills. They will feel good about themselves after comprehending such a complex book filled with many new terms. Ji-Li’s story will inspire students to do their very best in everything they do, even when it seems like it may be impossible. Ji-Li is a girl who will inspire many students now and in the future.