Young Wang is disillusioned with the hard work and long hours his father must put in every day just to get by. Having heard the legends of the eternals and the great powers they possess, he decides to make it his life's goal to become an eternal. With limited understanding of what will be expected of him, paired with impure motives, he announces his intentions to anyone he believes might help him learn how he can become an eternal and ultimately perform magic. His persistence pays off and eventually, following a long journey far from home, Wang finds the temple of the eternals. There, he persuades the eternal master to make him an apprentice so he can learn to perform magic. With power and wealth as his compass, he soon grows weary of the days, weeks, and months in which he learns nothing of how to perform magic. There is a turning point in this book, where Wang comes to see beyond his own desires and learns compassion for others.
Walking Through Walls, by Karen Cioffi, is an excellent book with a message of honor and compassion. Illustrations, by Willow Raven, are a terrific addition to this literary treat which will appeal to young readers on a quest for adventures in reading. Discussion points at the back of this book offer further insight into the culture and history of the Chinese as well as talking points for use in a classroom setting.
Walking through walls earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
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