Question

HELP PLEASE! IM STUCK!

Directions: You will write a letter to Jiang Ji-Li, the author and main character in Red Scarf Girl, reflecting on what you learned.

Criteria for success

Describe what you liked/enjoyed about the book.
What are some scenes that you thought were powerful while you read? You should include quotes from the text and the page # you found them in.
Describe how you would have felt if you were growing up in the Jiang Ji-Li time period ( make connections to the history of China you learned while reading this book)
Consider at least three situations that stood out to you and if you would have acted in the same way or differently . Explain your reasoning.
Would you recommend this book to future 6h graders? Why or Why not?

Use correct letter format & make sure spelling and punctuation are correct!


What I have done:
Our class read your book, “Red Scarf Girl” in Global Humanities Class this year.
I read with a lot of interest and excitement because this book shows a whole new world that I've never truly experienced. It must have been very surprising to you how much changed when the cultural revolution started. You went from living a quite good life with popularity and a bright future and all of a sudden, everything went wrong.
That is what was interesting to me, I never knew what could happen next.

Answer 1

Dear Jiang Ji-Li,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to reflect on what I learned from reading your book, “Red Scarf Girl.” Our Global Humanities class had the privilege of reading this incredible story, and I must say, I was truly captivated by it.

One of the things I enjoyed about the book was how it showed a whole new world that I had never experienced before. Your experiences during the cultural revolution in China were truly eye-opening for me. The way you went from living a happy life with a bright future to suddenly having everything go wrong was truly captivating. I could not help but read on with anticipation, wondering what would happen next.

There were several scenes in the book that I found to be particularly powerful. One of the most impactful moments for me was when you were forced to take down posters of Chairman Mao, your beloved leader, and burn them (pg. 88). The scene was so powerful because it showed how quickly the world can change and how easily people's beliefs can be manipulated. Another powerful scene was when your father was taken away and you had to cope with the reality of his absence (pg. 155). This scene was especially poignant because it showed the immense toll that political upheaval can take on families.

If I were growing up in your time period, I would have felt scared and uncertain. The cultural revolution was such a tumultuous time, and I cannot imagine what it must have been like to live through it. Your experiences taught me the importance of standing up for what you believe in and the dangers of blindly following a leader or ideology.

There were several situations in the book that stood out to me and made me think about what I would have done in your place. One situation was when you were forced to publicly denounce your father (pg. 124). I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been, and I admire your courage in speaking the truth. If I were in your place, I would have acted the same way because I believe in speaking the truth, no matter the consequences. Another situation was when you were forced to wear a red scarf (pg. 56). In this situation, I would have acted differently and would have probably tried to hide the scarf to avoid attracting attention. Finally, when you were forced to attend the rally to condemn your father, I would have acted differently and tried to leave the rally and find a way to help my father (pg. 124).

In conclusion, I would highly recommend your book to future 6th graders. It is an excellent way to learn about history and to see the world through the eyes of someone who lived it. Your story is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what you believe in and the dangers of blindly following a leader or ideology.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. It has truly impacted me in ways that I cannot express.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Answer 2

Dear Jiang Ji-Li,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirit. I recently had the privilege of reading your book, “Red Scarf Girl” in my Global Humanities class this year and I must say that it was an eye-opening experience for me. Your book allowed me to see a different side of the world and learn about the history of China in a way that was both interesting and powerful.

One scene that particularly stood out to me was when you were arrested and interrogated by the Red Guard members. Your fear and confusion at that moment was palpable, and I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the situation. The quote that stayed with me was, “I felt as if I were falling into an endless black hole” (pg. 149). That moment truly brought to life the terror and uncertainty that you must have experienced.

If I were growing up during your time, I can only imagine how difficult and confusing it must have been. The sudden changes in society and the fear of being seen as a traitor must have been overwhelming. I admire your resilience and strength in the face of such adversity.

There were several situations in the book that stood out to me, and I have to admit, I’m not sure if I would have acted the same way as you did. One situation was when you stood up for your father and spoke out against the false charges against him. I think I would have been too afraid to do that, but I admire your bravery in that moment. Another situation was when you tried to help your friend, Sun Wei, by giving him food. I think in that situation, I would have acted similarly because I believe in the importance of helping others in need.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend “Red Scarf Girl” to future 6th graders. Your book provides a unique insight into the history of China and the cultural revolution. It also teaches important lessons about courage, resilience, and the importance of standing up for what is right. I believe that all students can learn from your experiences and gain a greater understanding of the world.

Thank you for sharing your story with the world.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]