57 pages • 1 hour read
Laurence YepRibbons
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1997A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Chapters 4-7Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 4 Summary: “The Arrival”
On the night of the Nutcracker performance, Robin dresses up and wanders around the city, to make sure that Mom won’t suspect she’s given away the ticket. Meanwhile, Thomas, winner of the coin toss, goes to the performance.
After the holiday, ballet classes resume, and Thomas, Leah, and Amy pester Robin about returning. Meanwhile, Robin keeps up with her own practice, dancing until her legs ache. Even outside of her own makeshift studio, Robin slips into dance, eager to work out excess energy. Mom encourages Robin to try another after school activity, but Robin refuses.
Bureaucratic mistakes delay both Grandmother’s arrival and Robin’s return to class. Much to her chagrin, Robin grows even taller. Soon, her pointe shoes are too small. Scared to ask Mom for a new pair, Robin forces her feet into the old ones, ignoring the pain.
Next October, Grandmother—“Paw-paw” in Chinese—finally arrives. As the family gathers outside, Dad unloads Grandmother’s many belongings. Sliding across the seats, Grandmother moves to climb out of the car. Robin notices that Grandmother is short, wearing a silk jacket and ankle-high slippers. Across her knees are two canes, which Grandmother uses to steady herself. Though Dad offers his help, Grandmother insists on walking alone.
Robin and Ian are relieved to realize that Grandmother speaks English. Mom explains that Grandmother worked for a British family for many years and eventually picked up the language. When Robin asks about Grandmother’s legs, Mom merely offers that they’ve always been that way and discourages Robin from mentioning it further.
Mom greets Grandmother with a formal bow, as does Ian. To Robin, Mom seems like a child again, eager to please her mother. Robin says hello in limited Chinese and moves to hug Grandmother. Grandmother, however, recoils. As Mom leads her into the house, Grandmother plays happily with Ian.
Left behind, Robin helps Dad with Grandmother’s belongings. When Robin breaks into her ballet exercises, Dad questions her devotion. Robin explains the value of practice and suggests that the pain and aches are worth it. Robin asks Dad when she can re-enroll, now that Grandmother has arrived. However, Dad hints that she’ll have to wait even longer, since he and Mom will need money to settle Grandmother.
That evening, Georgie and Eddy join the family for a celebratory get-together. Robin offers to help Dad and Georgie pick up dinner, eager to pester Dad further about ballet classes. As Robin climbs into Georgie’s Mercedes, she notices, with some confusion, that his license plate reads “888.” Stunned at her unawareness, Georgie explains that triple eights are considered lucky in Chinese culture.
Parked at the restaurant, Dad is forced to pay the meter, as Georgie doesn’t carry quarters. Inside, Georgie attempts to order in broken Chinese, without much success. Defeated, he merely points to items on the menu. Georgie orders the most expensive dishes, citing the momentous occasion, and brags about the success of his business. However, when the food is ready and the bill presented, Georgie realizes he doesn’t have any cash, only credit cards. Annoyed, Dad forks over the money. Georgie promises to pay him back, but Dad is skeptical. The two briefly argue until the waiter returns with Dad’s change. Dad leaves a few dollars as a tip, until Uncle Georgie snatches up the money and returns it to Dad. Feeling sorry for her father, Robin decides not to mention the lessons again.
Chapter 5 Summary: “The Reckoning”
Grandmother sets up in Robin’s room, while Robin sleeps on a mattress next to Ian’s bed. The next morning, Robin wakes up to Dad unpacking a few of Grandmother’s boxes. Eventually, he digs out Grandmother’s stereo and puts on one of her records. Listening for the first time, Robin decides she doesn’t care for Chinese music.
Eventually, Grandmother wakes and comes into the living room. Dad announces that the stereo is functional, but Grandmother is uninterested. Instead, she asks Dad to turn on the television. Eventually, she settles on a Chinese soap opera. Chinese subtitles flash across the screen, though Robin recognizes the dialogue as Chinese. When Robin asks, Grandmother explains that there are a variety of spoken dialects in China, but the written form is universal. Grandmother is disappointed to learn that Robin can neither speak nor read Chinese.
When Grandmother complains of the cold, citing her rheumatism, Dad dutifully cranks up the heat. Though Robin wonders if they can afford the heating bill, Dad insists that they be accommodating. Soon, Ian comes in and asks to watch his favorite cartoons. When he realizes that Grandmother is unlikely to compromise, he decides to go outside instead.
Robin ducks out and heads toward the hallway. Surprised, she notices that Mom has packed up her things in cardboard boxes. When Robin protests, Mom explains that Grandmother will need to stay longer, as both Georgie and Eddy insist their homes are too cramped. Reluctantly, Robin moves the packed boxes into Ian’s room.
Meanwhile, Mom takes down Robin’s posters to make room for Grandmother’s religious artwork. When Robin tries to hang up the posters in Ian’s room instead, a fight ensues. As they argue, Robin accidentally rips one of Ian’s superhero posters. Indignant, they each call out for Mom. As Robin and Ian complain, Mom bursts into tears. Robin comforts her gently, until Grandmother summons Mom to the living room. Left alone, Robin and Ian reconcile.
As Robin walks around her old room, now packed with Grandmother’s belongings, she realizes she resents Grandmother. Mom returns to encourage Robin and Ian to keep quiet, so that Grandmother can nap peacefully. Though Mom refuses to discuss ballet classes, she allows Robin to continue her practice in the downstairs garage.
Chapter 6 Summary: “Evil Brother: Part Twelve”
The next day at school, Thomas, Amy, and Leah approach Robin, curious about her grandmother. When Robin answers vaguely, Leah encourages her to be more specific. Ultimately, Robin describes her grandmother as “not quite what I expected” (71). Thomas shares that his grandparents are in prison, and Amy sadly announces that her grandparents have all died.
Quickly, Amy changes the subject to ballet. Robin admits that she’s uncertain when she’ll return. When Leah presses her for more information, Robin considers mentioning The Debt but hesitates. Ultimately, however, Robin decides to be honest. Swearing her friends to secrecy, she admits to her family’s financial trouble, explaining that Grandmother’s immigration has demanded sacrifice. Thomas and Leah wonder why Robin’s uncles are unwilling to help. However, before they can pry further, Amy silences them, understanding the importance of family in Chinese culture. Amy gently assures Robin that she’ll return to lessons soon.
When Robin returns home, she finds Grandmother and Ian in the living room, tuned into a Chinese soap opera. Ian is chewing candy from Grandmother, surrounded by empty wrappers. When Robin gently asks Grandmother for a taste, Grandmother reluctantly hands her a single candy. Insulted, Robin gives the candy back.
Over the next few days, Grandmother and Ian’s bond deepens. She often sneaks him treats or shares a portion of her dinner. One day, Robin offers to make Grandmother some tea. However, she misunderstands Grandmother’s directions and brews far too much. To combat her mounting frustration, Robin frequently turns to ballet.
One day, Robin discovers that Ian has defaced her dolls with red ink. When she confronts him, Ian explains that Grandmother encouraged him. Grandmother, in her defense, argues that Robin is too old to play with dolls.
When Mom and Dad return from home, Robin rushes to complain. However, both Mom and Dad encourage Robin to be patient, promising that Grandmother will soon adjust. Nevertheless, Ian’s behavior worsens, and Robin often retreats to the garage. Soon, ballet becomes her only solace.
Chapter 7 Summary: “The Last Straw”
The Christmas season rolls around once again. One day, Amy calls Robin and asks to meet outside Madame Oblamov’s studio, promising some good news. Though initially hesitant, Robin eventually agrees. From outside the studio, Robin can hear Madame Oblamov giving instruction. Robin moves her body along to the music, responding to Madame’s teaching. After class finishes, Robin connects with Amy and Leah and heads over to Leah’s house.
As they walk, Robin reveals that she’s still been practicing, albeit on a concrete floor. Eager to share, Robin complains bitterly about her grandmother. Leah is sympathetic, but Amy merely shrugs.
Once at Leah’s, Robin asks Amy about her news. Shyly, Amy unwraps a new pair of pointe shoes. Robin, deeply surprised, realizes that Amy is advancing in skill. Though initially resentful, Robin congratulates her friend. When Amy offers to teach Robin herself, borrowing lessons from Madame, Robin politely declines. Leah, too, suggests that Robin might practice in her studio. Robin, self-conscious, sidesteps the offer.
Amy mentions that she’s scheduled to start advanced classes on Friday. To properly lace her new pointe shoes, she’ll need well-worn ribbons. Robin, taking the hint, gladly offers her old ribbons to Amy, grateful that at least something of hers will be in the studio. Amy, relieved, thanks Robin, before introducing another uncomfortable subject: Madame has asked Amy to perform as the Morning Butterfly in this year’s production of The Nutcracker. At first, Robin reels, as if she’s been punched in the gut. However, realizing that the part isn’t hers exclusively, Robin gives Amy her blessing.
In a gesture of goodwill, Robin offers to show Amy the first few parts of the dance. Leah leads them into her ballet studio and begins the music. As soon as Robin hears the music, her body takes over, and she repeats the steps almost automatically. Amy watches her closely, and Robin, chagrined, notices that Amy’s moves are much more fluid than her own. By the time the dance ends, Robin’s feet ache terribly.
After the music stops, Amy confronts Robin, wondering why she’d been wincing during the dance. Robin brushes her off, and the two walk home together. Before parting ways, Robin assures Amy of her blessing and offers to help anytime.
The rest of the way, Robin looks forward to an ice cream bar that she’s stowed in the freezer. However, when she gets home, she’s furious to realize that Ian, at Grandmother’s urging, has eaten the ice cream. Robin storms into Mom’s office to complain. Mom, buried in paperwork, simply explains that Chinese culture values boys more than girls. She remembers that Grandmother had similarly doted on her brothers and suggests that she’ll soon adapt to American values.
Before going to bed, Robin passes by the kitchen. She watches as Ian and Grandmother whisper in Chinese and considers another source of Grandmother’s dismissal: Ian has jet-black hair, whereas she’s inherited Dad’s brown locks. It stings to realize that Grandmother might disapprove of her white heritage.
Back in her room, Robin pulls out her pointe shoes. She cries as she snips off the ribbons, imagining that they’re Ian’s ears.
Chapters 4-7 Analysis
This next section of chapters focuses on Grandmother’s arrival from Hong Kong and her awkward introduction to American society. At first, Grandmother clings to reminders of home, enriching the narrative with an intimate look at Chinese culture. Robin, however, is the product of multiculturalism, and their differing viewpoints threaten the beginning of their relationship. However, Yep subtly suggests that Chinese culture—and Grandmother by extension—isn’t as inflexible as it might seem, providing an opportunity for Robin and Grandmother to overcome their differences.
Arriving in San Francisco, Grandmother is the consummate stranger. She’s self-contained, brusque, and almost immediately critical of her new home: “Why do you have so many steps?” she asks, dreading the long walk to the apartment door (52). Robin’s first impressions, too, characterize Grandmother as distinctly out-of-place. For instance, poking through Grandmother’s “pile of luggage and cardboard boxes” (50), Robin vividly describes their “exotic scent” and reminiscence of “sunlit waters lapping at picturesque docks” (53). In using the word “exotic,” Robin emphasizes Grandmother’s otherness; her life, so different from Robin’s American upbringing, can only be imagined.
At first, Grandmother takes no interest in American culture, preferring to indulge in the usual comforts of home. Instead of listening to the family stereo, for instance, she asks Dad to rig her personal record player, so that she might enjoy her favorite Chinese records. Similarly, as she flips through the television channels, she ultimately settles on a Chinese program. And the rest of the family adapts, too: Mom picks up Chinese takeout, serving it in “shallow Chinese serving bowls” (76), while Robin switches out her posters for Grandmother’s “Chinese angels” (65). Here, in the immediate wake of Grandmother’s arrival, Chinese culture wholly eclipses any semblance of American life. It’s a somewhat ironic twist: The family lives in Richmond, an eclectic neighborhood famous for its shifting demographics, yet they homogenize to ease Grandmother’s arrival. At this point in the household, Chinese and American cultures are wholly separate.
Though Mom, Dad, and Ian are willing to accept Chinese culture, Robin hesitates. All her attempts, it seems, are compromised by Americanism. For instance, as they anticipate Grandmother’s arrival, Mom teaches Robin and Ian a “proper Chinese greeting” (52). The day of, Ian performs perfectly, bowing just as Mom has demonstrated. However, though Robin offers Grandmother a Chinese welcome, she decides to skip the bow and “give her the same kind of howdy that I gave my other grandmother” (52)—that is, a hug and a kiss. Here, Robin approaches cultural divides flexibly, combining Chinese reverence with American informality. Indeed, in many ways, Robin is the physical representation of multiculturalism: She’s half-Chinese and half-American, and unlike Ian, her hair is “brown like Dad’s” (93). In Robin, two distinct cultures merge, and it’s unsurprising that she should struggle to homogenize.
This disparate approach to culture creates tension between Grandmother and Robin: Grandmother, fearing that Robin is over-Americanized, criticizes her ignorance, while Robin resents Grandmother for her inflexibility. For instance, when Grandmother learns that Robin doesn’t speak Chinese, she shakes “her head in disgust” (63). Meanwhile, Robin, critical of Grandmother’s favoritism of Ian, admits, “I really began to resent Grandmother” (67) and wishes that she’d adopt “American customs” (92). At this point in the novel, this cultural divide seriously threatens Grandmother and Robin’s fledgling relationship; it seems there might be no way forward.
However, Yep is careful to prove that Chinese culture is, surprisingly, composite. For instance, when watching Chinese soap operas, Robin is surprised to notice Chinese subtitles; Grandmother explains that in China “there are different dialects,” so that “people might speak the words in many ways” (62). Georgie, too, attests to this phenomenon, complaining that a restaurant worker “speaks the wrong dialect” (57). In introducing this diversity of experience, Yep suggests that there is more than one way to be Chinese. China is a tapestry of ethnic identities, marked by differences in language, cuisine, and religion, and its sense of culture is hardly the inflexible standard that Robin imagines. Grandmother herself is a product of her varied experiences: She was born in Communist China but fled to British Hong Kong, where she learned some English and adopted British slang. It’s this subtle multiculturalism that links Robin and Grandmother and imbues their relationship with a sense of possibility, helping to establish the theme of Bridging Generational Divides through Empathy. Mom and Dad appreciate this, too, and encourage Robin to offer Grandmother more credit: “Give her time and she’ll learn how we do things here,” Mom explains (92). At the time, Robin doesn’t appreciate Mom’s faith, but it won’t be long before she understands the depth of Grandmother’s experience.
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