The setting is Melbourne, 1932.
The Depression has imposed poverty on most of the population. But 12-year-old Moonie’s family have a comfortable income.
Their thriving fruit and vegetable business also supports De Di’s generosity to door knockers and the homeless.
Right at the beginning of the book, Ma Mi is sent away to recover from an unnamed illness.
The children are not told where she is so are unable to communicate with her.
Moonie, with her mother's gift for sewing, believes if she makes her a dress in time for her birthday, it will bring her home.
On that same day, Little Dipper, the ghost boy, makes an appearance in Moonie’s room; a place where three other ghosts have frequently visited.
He is visible only to her.
His home is in distant China. There he works hard caring for silkworms, his family's main source of income. His younger sister Tian, has died, but her ghost is never far, always guiding him.
A strong bond of friendship is formed between the two children.
It is Tian who gives Little Dipper the magical silken thread that binds him to Moonie, a thread that will play a big part in his realizing long-held dreams of learning English.
Who is Miss Yip that De Di employs to house keep during Ma Mi's absence? Why is she so cruel towards all the family member's except De Di?
This is an outstanding novel, full of warmth and interesting issues. A combination of linking stories within stories.
The chapters are presented in alternate voices – Moonie’s and Little Dippers’.
Through these individual narratives, we learn about the boy’s family life, his surroundings, dreams, and his character. The same applies to Moonie’s narrative.
Beautifully introduced are Chinese customs, culture and traditions, beliefs, philosophy, and the role each person plays within the family structure.
I loved this book with its fabulous characters, outstanding informative content, and how an extraordinary amount of valuable history surrounding that era is plaited through the chapters.
Title: The Silken Thread
Author/Illustrator: Gabrielle Wang
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $ 17.99
Publication Date: 1 July 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761350740
For ages: 9+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction
