Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier facts for kids
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| Author | Ying Chang Compestine |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Action, historical fiction, adventure |
| Publisher | Abrams Books |
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Publication date
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January 7, 2014 |
| ISBN | 1419705407 |
Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier is an exciting adventure book from 2014. It's a historical novel with some amazing fantasy parts, written by Ying Chang Compestine and her son, Vinson Compestine. The story takes place in China during the 1970s.
Contents
An Ancient Secret in 1970s China
The story is about a brave thirteen-year-old boy named Ming. He lives in China in the 1970s. Ming's father is an archaeologist, a person who studies old things to learn about history. He believes the secret tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the very first emperor of China, is hidden right under their village!
Ming's Father in Danger
Ming's father needs to prove his discovery. If he can't, the village's Political Officer, who works for the government, will send him to a special work camp. This camp is a place where people are sent to do hard labor. While Ming's father is away on a trip, something incredible happens.
A Soldier Comes to Life
Ming meets a real Terra-Cotta soldier who has come to life! These soldiers are ancient clay statues made to guard Emperor Qin's tomb. Ming and the living soldier, named Shí, become friends. Together, they go on an amazing adventure.
Uncovering Mysteries and Saving a Life
Their mission is to find out the secrets of Emperor Qin's Mausoleum, which is a huge underground burial place. They also need to save Ming's father from being sent to the labor camp. It's a race against time and a journey full of ancient mysteries!
Meet the Characters
Here are some of the important characters you'll meet in the book:
- Ming - The main character, a brave thirteen-year-old boy. His father is an archaeologist.
- Ba Ba - Ming's father, the archaeologist who believes he's found Emperor Qin's tomb.
- Shí - A magical Terra-Cotta Soldier from Emperor Qin's ancient army who comes to life.
- Gee Brothers - Farmers who are the first to dig up a Terra-Cotta Soldier.
- Political Officer (Goat Face) - The main bad guy in the story. He works for the government and wants to send Ming's father away.
- Emperor Qin Shi Huang - The first emperor of China, whose secret tomb is at the center of the story.
- Teacher Panda - Ming's teacher.
- Old men in tea-house - Ming's friends who hang out at the tea-house.
- Feng - Shí's best friend, who is also a Terra-Cotta soldier.
- Liang - Shí's mentor, another Terra-Cotta soldier.
- Political Officer's Wife - The wife of the Political Officer.
- General Wang - A famous general from Emperor Qin's army, also a Terra-Cotta soldier.
- Si Ji - Another Terra-Cotta soldier.
- Director Gu - Ba Ba's friend and the director of the Xi’an Museum.
- Comrade Ding - A new political officer.
Awards and Recognition
Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier won the CALA Best Book Award in 2014.
