BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lee, Stacey. (2019). The Downstairs Girl. G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 9781524740955
PLOT SUMMARY
Stacey Lee writes the story about Jo Kuan, a seventeen-year-old Chinese-American, who worked as a talented hatmaker. Unfortunately, Jo was fired due to making customers “uncomfortable”, meaning she was too opinionated, and had to take on a new job as a lady’s maid. Meanwhile, Jo and her father Old Gin, secretly lived in the basement of the Bells. The Bells printed the newspaper called the “Focus” and one day Jo decides to voice her frustrations in an anonymous column.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Stacey Lee writes this clever historical fiction novel which takes place during the 1890s about the life of Jo Kuan. Not only did Jo have to put up with sexism, but also racism. Jo filled with “too many opinions” and can’t keep them to herself decides to cleverly and anonymously bring her frustrations to light in an anonymous column in the “Focus”.
Jo’s character is such a strong, trailblazing, and iconic character who truly inspires all women to speak up! Jo’s bravery reminds us to stay true to ourselves and not let anyone take our spirit. Stacey Lee kept this story interesting and witty.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
“Vividly rendered, intriguingly plotted . . . Jo’s example of resistance and hope is sure to resonate with today’s readers.”
—The Washington Post
“Holds a mirror to our present issues while giving us a detailed and vibrant picture of life in the past.”
—The New York Times
“This spectacular, voice-driven novel raises powerful questions about how we understand the past, as well as the ways our current moment is still shaped by that understanding.”
—Booklist, starred review
CONNECTIONS
“Luminous . . . An optimistic, sophisticated portrayal of one facet of Chinese-American—and simply American—history.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Unflinching in its portrayals of racism yet ultimately hopeful and heartfelt, this narrative places voices frequently left out of historical fiction center stage.”
—School Library Journal, starred review
“This captivating novel explores intersectionality, conveys the effects of restrictions placed on women and people of color, and celebrates the strengths and talents of marginalized people struggling to break society’s barriers in any age.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
AWARDS
A Reese’s Book Club YA Pick
A New York Times Bestseller
An Indie Bestseller
A Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Year
One of NPR’s Favorite Books of the Year
A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
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