This book is dedicated to my childhood friend Wu Chun-mei and to all the children who enjoyed reading Chinese Cinderella, especially those who are orphaned, unwanted and have nobody to turn to.

her Martial Arts Academy. There she becomes part of a whole new family, making friends with three remarkable boy acrobats and learning kung fu. One day the four children embark on a secret mission that changes their lives and the course of history forever...An exciting fantasy adventure inspired by the stories Adeline Yen Mah wrote as a,schoolgirl.

Author's Note

Map of China

Map of Shanghai

Chapter 1.The Boy Acrobats

Chapter 2.The Chinese Zodiac

Chapter 3.Abandoned and Homeless

Chapter 4.New Friends

Chapter 5.Martial Arts Academy

Chapter 6.Kung Fu

Chapter 7.Poster from Marat's Big Brother

Chapter 8.Letter from Big Aunt

Chapter 9.Life at the Martial Arts Academy

Chapter 10.YiJing: The Book of Magic

Chapter 11.The Password

Chapter 12.The Mission

Chapter 13.Chuchow Airfields

Chapter 14.Nan Tian Island

Chapter 15.The Japanese Paratrooper

Chapter 16.The Monster

Chapter 17.Master Wu's Pet

Chapter 18.Escape to the Mainland

Chapter 19.A Visitor from Home

Chapter 20.Running Away

Chapter 21.Rescue Plans

Chapter 22.Last Letters

Chapter 23.The Future Belongs to Us

Historical Note

The Chinese Zodiac

Glossary of Chinese Words

Bibliography