The Seven Chinese Brothers

Source: Mahy, Margaret. The Seven Chinese Brothers. New York: Scholastic, 1990.

Summary: Hundreds of years ago, there were seven identical brothers, each with their own unique ability. One brother was taken prisoner by the emperor for being too strong after he rebuilt a hole in the Great Wall in one afternoon. The brothers continually switch places to avoid execution until finally, the seventh brother cries two rivers and washes away the emperor and his armies.

Cultural origins: Chinese. This book includes author's notes about the sources used to compile this version of the tale, as well as an editor's note about Emperor Ch'in Shih Huang, who serves as the chief antagonist.

Audience: 3rd-5th grade. This story is a bit more complicated than I would normally use with a younger audience, especially considering the continual switching of the identical brothers. I think younger children would quickly lose the plot.

Adaptation notes: In an effort to distinguish between the different brothers, I would attempt to use slightly different voices and mannerisms. I would also provide some background information about historical China and the Great Wall in order to set the scene.