Revolution is Not a Dinner Party, Ying Chang Compestine

While Compestine's debut novel is touted as fiction; the narrative draws on Compestine's experiences growing up in China during Mao's Cultural Revolution. She poignantly describes the erosion of individual rights in China in the 1970's. Ying Chang watches as her classmates, neighbours and eventually her father are denounced as bourgeoisie and thus enemies of the revolution.
Her parents, once prosperous doctors at the local hospital, are forced to work as cleaners throughout the night. Their home is invaded by the revolutionary pioneers and stripped of any western possessions such as radios and western style clothing.
Compestine portrays a life of hardship and fear.
This is a great read for grades 8 and 9. Compestine's experience is especially relevant for student in Social Studies 9.