Rebels of the Heavenly Kingdom

In this compelling story by Katherine Paterson, 15-year-old peasant Wang Lee finds himself at a crossroads when he is kidnapped by bandits but is unexpectedly rescued by the enigmatic Mei Lin. As they fall in love amidst the turmoil of the Taiping Rebellion, their bond faces a daunting challenge when a new edict forbids men and women from living or working together. Set against the rich historical backdrop of China during a transformative era, this award-winning tale explores the tension between personal desires and the broader ideals of a movement striving to restore the Empire to its people.