Comments on: What is the name of this book or story?

Question: What is the name of this book or story?

TheClonusHorror — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:18:42 -0800

Looking for the name of a book I read as a youngster. My husband mentioned Lucky Strike cigarettes today, and I had a flashback to a book I barely remember.

The main character is an Asian girl who has just moved to the U.S. She doesn't speak English at first, but memorizes a Disney record or something when she has to speak in front of the class.

She sees another Asian girl and tries to speak her native language, but the girl doesn't speak it.

Someone sends her to the store to buy Lucky Strike cigarettes, but she can't get them because she can't pronounce the name right.

I googled several combinations of search terms and came up with nothing. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

By: infinitywaltz

infinitywaltz — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:52:01 -0800

"Rukee sike! Rukee sike!"

I totally remember this story! I don't think it was a full-length book, though--or if it was, I only ever read an excerpt, either in a kids' literature magazine (like Cricket or Highlights or something) or in a school book.

OK, on preview, I did a Google search on "Rukee sike" and came up with In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, by Bette Bao Lord.

By: lemuria

lemuria — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:53:33 -0800

Yes, it's In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson. I love that book.

By: infinitywaltz

infinitywaltz — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:54:39 -0800

Oh, and you can get it on Amazon for $5.99. And, lest the Amazon.com overlords whip my family again, I feel obligated to let you know that if "[You] WANT IT BY DEC. 24? 3 DAYS LEFT TO ORDER USING SUPER SAVER SHIPPING. Restrictions Apply."

By: web-goddess

web-goddess — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:27:46 -0800

I totally remember reading an excerpt of that in grade school. I always remembered the bit where she gets asked whether she'd like to be President someday, and she says she can't because she wasn't born in America, but her younger brother might be!

By: TheClonusHorror

TheClonusHorror — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 19:59:08 -0800

Wow! Yes! Now that I read the title, my brain is going "of COURSE!"

My error was that I googled "Ruckee" instead of "Rukee". Heh.

Thanks for the assist, guys. You made my night.