Notes

12 pages
illustrations (chiefly colour)
Cover title. New Zealand author; New Zealand illustrator. On cover: The New Zealand curriculum. Level 3. On cover verso: Bok Choy has been carefully levelled. While the contexts and concepts link to English, science, and social sciences at level 3 of the curriculum, the text has a reading year level of year 4.
Summary: This seemingly simple historical story carries an important message about discrimination. It is set in a goldmining town in Otago during the 1860s gold rush. Jacob's mother is glad to buy bok choy (Chinese cabbage) from Ah Sum, but Ah Sum's presence brings out the worst in their neighbour Mrs Bishop and her son, William. William taunts Ah Sum and leaves Jacob feeling confused about his loyalties. When Jacob slips into the river while fishing, it is Ah Sum who rescues him. The story shows how Jacob becomes aware of the realities of Ah Sum's life. The ending is left open for readers to infer the long-term impact of Jacob's encounter with Ah Sum.
Primary, intermediate.
School journal story library.
New Zealand curriculum.
Level 3.