The Downstairs Girl

Bibliography

Lee, S. (2021). THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL. G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-1-5247-4097-9.

Plot Summary

THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL is about Jo Kuan, a 17-year-old Chinese American girl living in Atlanta in the 1890s. Jo works as a lady's maid for a wealthy family, but at night, she secretly writes an advice column called "Dear Miss Sweetie." Jo uses her voice to challenge the unfair ideas of the time about race, gender, and class, all while keeping her identity secret.

Critical Analysis

THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL is a historical fiction novel that takes place in 1890s Atlanta. It follows a teenage girl, Jo Kuan, so young readers are able to connect more to her emotional struggles. In this time period, we have the New South, where there are many challenges towards race, gender, and class. All of that affects Jo's life since she is a Chinese-American lady’s maid. This story is a great look at how another minority group was affected in our history that is often overlooked.

Jo's character is very strong as she is smart, observant, and determined to use her voice. She faces discrimination based on her race, class, and gender. There are strict social rules she must follow, but she can't stay quiet. Her advice column becomes her outlet to speak back, but safely as her identity is hidden. 

Author Stacy Lee's background matters in this novel. She is Chinese American herself, so Jo's character becomes a bit more authentic even though the time period is different. Historical fiction based in the USA is rarely focused on Asian American girls. Stacey Lee provides a wonderful perspective of a group that is overlooked.

Overall, this novel is a meaningful historical fiction because it gives voice to a group that is not often seen. It gives readers a chance to see 1890s Atlanta through the perspective of a Chinese American girl while exploring topics young readers can connect to.

Review Excerpts

"An optimistic, sophisticated portrayal of one facet of Chinese American—and simply American—history." Kirkus, starred review.

"This spectacular, voice-driven novel raises powerful questions about how we understand the past, as well as the ways our current moment is still shaped by that understanding." Booklist, starred review.

Connections

This book would work well in a historical fiction unit to discuss parts of American history that are not normally discussed. Students could analyze how identity dictated types of opportunities available in the 1890s. Discussions could be formulated about voice, journalism, gender roles, etc.