Paper Daughter - Paperback

Paper Daughter: A Young Adult Historical Mystery

Maggie Chen's journalist father has fired her imagination with the thrill of the newsroom, and when her father is killed, she is determined to keep his dreams alive by interning at the newspaper.

While assisting on her first story, Maggie learns that her father is suspected of illegal activity, and knows she must clear his name. Drawn to Seattle's Chinatown, she discovers things that are far from what she expected: secrets, lies, and a connection to the Chinese Exclusion Era. Using all of her newspaper instincts and resources, Maggie is forced to confront her ethnicity--and a family she never knew.

About This Historical Fiction Novel

This compelling young adult mystery combines investigative journalism with historical exploration of Chinese-American identity. Set against the backdrop of Seattle's Chinatown, the narrative weaves together contemporary mystery with historical elements from the Chinese Exclusion Act era, creating a rich reading experience that educates while it entertains.

Maggie Chen emerges as a determined protagonist who must navigate grief, identity questions, and complex family history while pursuing the truth about her father's legacy. The story addresses themes of cultural heritage, family secrets, and the immigrant experience in America's Pacific Northwest.

Perfect for Book Clubs and Classrooms

This edition includes a guide for book group discussions and classroom use, making it an excellent choice for educators and reading groups exploring Asian American literature, historical fiction, or coming-of-age narratives. The discussion guide facilitates deeper engagement with the novel's themes of identity, journalism ethics, and Chinese-American history.