Chapters 9 and 10 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 9: Chinese New Year

Everyone in the family was measured for new clothes to signal the Chinese New Year and a new beginning. Unfortunately, the only stylish clothes were made for Niang's two children. Her step-children were given loose-fitting traditional mandarin clothing—new but unfashionable. The older boys were upset—they had wanted western style clothing. The siblings discussed their plight. The boys hated their shaved heads, noting that Little Brother's head was not shaved. The siblings were allowed only three meals a day with no snacks while Niang's children could order anything they wanted from the kitchen at any hour of the day. Big Brother was told by the cook that bacon was reserved for those on the second floor. The new nanny was asking them so many questions, they they figured she was a spy...