All Emily Prager had at first was a blurred photograph of a baby, but it would be her baby—if she journeyed to China to pick her up. Emily brought back to America the baby chosen for her. She was named Lulu, and Emily was determined to honor Lulu's heritage by sending her to a Chinese school in New York City's Chinatown. But of course there were always questions from Lulu about her past and the town of Wuhu, where she was born. And Emily herself had a special affinity for China, because she had spent part of her own childhood there. So together they journeyed to Wuhu, eager to discover anything they could. But finding answers was difficult, and at first they were met with suspicion, particularly after the U.S. accidentally bombed the Chinese embassy in Kosovo. Wuhu Diary is unique in that it tells of encountering—and understanding—a modern but ancient culture through the irresistible presence of a child, while it reveals the emotional bond that grows between Emily and Lulu as they try to become a part of this Chinese city. This moving story of a single mother's two-month trip to Wuhu, China, in 2001 with her five-year-old adopted daughter, LuLu, combines memoir, travelog, and a bit of philosophy. A novelist (Roger Fishbite) and satirical columnist for the Village Voice, among other publications, Prager herself spent some of her childhood in LuLu's homeland. For anyone considering multicultural adoption or already involved in one, this compelling work offers encouragement and an example of how to help an adopted child get acquainted with her roots and build her sense of self. For others, it provides a wonderful view of a part of China seldom written about. Readers will also gain insight into the strengthening bonds between children and their adopted parents and the insecurities both feel. Following the trip, LuLu no longer exhibited frantic behavior. She seemed to have a better sense of herself and her heritage, which gave her more confidence, as well as a firmer comprehension of her adopted mother's commitment. Enthusiastically recommended. Kay Brodie, Chesapeake Coll., Wye Mills, MD Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. The one-child policy in Communist China has been a boon to Americans wishing to adopt a child. Because of the Chinese preference for boys, if the extra child is a girl, she is often put up for adoption. Novelist Prager's adopted girl was actually left in the street, so her background was very incomplete. Prager returned to China with LuLu, now four years old, to learn about the place where LuLu was born. What she found surprised her. The Chinese people she encountered showed a great deal of interest and kindness toward her and LuLu. Prager's frustration in most of her attempts to find out about LuLu's past seems minor compared with the understanding she gained from visiting the land of her child's birth. Marlene Chamberlain Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved "Prager is a wonderful writer, able to merge feelings about adoption, motherhood and her own childhood with descriptions of the country and her daughter's reactions to her travels. . . . An important book." --San Jose Mercury News "Moving. . . . For anyone considering multicultural adoption . . . this compelling work offers encouragement and an example of how to help an adopted child get acquainted with her roots and her sense of self. For others it provides a wonderful view of a part of China seldom written about."-- Library Journal “An intimate, everyday portraitÉ.an elegant sense of place, an emotive story of great vulnerability, and a wonderful gift from mother to daughter.” —Kirkus Reviews “Highly personal. . . . Filled with fascinating information. . . . A welcome addition to the growing literature on adoption.” —BookPage From the Trade Paperback edition. ager had at first was a blurred photograph of a baby, but it would be her baby―if she journeyed to China to pick her up. Emily brought back to America the baby chosen for her. She was named Lulu, and Emily was determined to honor Lulu's heritage by sending her to a Chinese school in New York City's Chinatown. But of course there were always questions from Lulu about her past and the town of Wuhu, where she was born. And Emily herself had a special affinity for China, because she had spent part of her own childhood there. So together they journeyed to Wuhu, eager to discover anything they could. But finding answers was difficult, and at first they were met with suspicion, particularly after the U.S. accidentally bombed the Chinese embassy in Kosovo. Wuhu Diary is unique in that it tells of encountering―and understanding―a modern but ancient culture through the irresistible presence of a child, while it reveals the emotional bond that grows between Emily an Emily Prager is the author of three novels, Clea & Zeus Divorce, Eve's Tattoo, and the recently published Roger Fishbite , as well as the acclaimed book of short s