The Rainbow People by Laurence Yep is a collection of Chinese fables. In the introduction, Yep writes, "what Kenneth Burke said of proverbs is equally true of folktales: They are strategies for living. At the very least, the stories offered consolation and more often hope [ to Chinese immigrants]. But beyond that, the stories also expressed the loneliness, anger, fear, and love that were part of the Chinese-American experience" (x). Thus, to modern readers the stories are engaging and diverse, and they provide the reader with moral and philosophical insights as well as historical knowledge. The collection is divided into five sections: Tricksters, Fools, Virtues and Vices, In Chinese America, and Love. The explanation before each section illuminates unique and important facets of multiculturalism, society, and history within the folktales.
Although folktales may seem too simple or easy for middle school students to read, the book is full of advanced vocabulary (poignancy, implicit/explicit, allegory, stratagem) and the themes are complex. The students can analyze the imagery and symbolism behind the stories, and practice summarizing its major themes. It could be tied into a research project, with some students researching Buddhist beliefs in relation to kindness to animals (a theme in some stories) and others researching other connections; the creativity that could be invoked with a unit around this book is a definite plus. Furthermore, the book would not only be a good way for an English teacher to tie history into their own teaching, but a good way for a History teacher to tie reading and literature into their curriculum because the stories are generally pretty short. Studying The Rainbow People could be a great way for 6th graders to bridge the gap between 5th grade into middle school, but it would also be appropriate for 7th or 8th grade.
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