Lucy Lin is 15-years-old, born to parents who immigrated to Australia by boat from Vietnam, though both of are of Chinese background. They now live in a Melbourne suburb. Lucy’s mother sews clothes in their garage, while her father works night shifts at a carpet factory. They struggle to get ahead. Lucy gains a scholarship to a prestigious girls college, Laurinda, where she objects to the girls’ play for power and unfair treatment of others. The novel treats topics such as racial prejudice, the perception and treatment of lower class families, and respecting and understanding different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Underlying the story is the theme of abuse of power and those who are determined to work against it. Lucy’s strength of character comes through and generates great empathy from her readers.

1. Cross Cultural Relations
2. Empathy
3. Immigration
4. Intolerance
5. Racism
6. Respect