Ying Chang Compestine

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Award-winning author, dynamic public speaker and world traveler, Ying Chang Compestine is the author of numerous books, including picture books, MG, YA and cookbooks for adults that promote healthy eating.

Drawing from her childhood experience and described as "Anne Frank in the Cultural Revolution," Revolution is not a Dinner Party (MG) has received more than 30 awards, including the California Book Award, ALA Best Books and Notable Books and the San Francisco Chronicle Best Children's Fiction Book. In A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts (YA), Ying uses tantalizing recipes as a common thread to cook up a unique offering of eight compelling ghost stories. All the Chinese ghosts in these stories have as strong a desire for revenge as for delicious food.

Ying has visited schools throughout the US and abroad, sharing with students her journey as a writer, how her life in China inspired her writing, and the challenges of writing in her second language. She has lectured on a variety of subjects at writer's conferences and universities, and aboard cruise ships. Numerous television and radio programs, as well as magazines and newspapers, have featured Ying and her books.

Ying was born and raised in Wuhan, China. She came to the U.S. for graduate school. After both her parents passed away, she began writing to cope with her grief and to reconnect with China. Ying earned a master's degree in sociology from the University of Colorado. Prior to writing, she taught sociology at colleges and universities in both the U.S. and China.

Speaking Engagements: To invite Ying to speak at your school, library, conference or book store, please contact her directly.




			The Runaway Wok: a Chinese New Year Tale illustrated by Sebastia Serra Penguin Dutton, 2011 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0525420682 When a boy goes to the market to buy food and comes home with an old wok instead, his parents wonder what they'll eat for dinner. But then the wok rolls out of the poor family's house with a skippity-hoppity-ho! and returns from the rich man's home with a feast in tow! This story reminds readers about the importance of generosity.



			A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts illustrated by Coleman Polhemus Henry Holt, 2009 young adult, ISBN 978-0805082081 According to Chinese tradition, those who die hungry or unjustly come back to haunt the living. Some are appeased with food. But not all ghosts are successfully mollified. In this chilling collection of stories,Ying Chang Compestine takes readers on a journey through time and across different parts of China. From the building of the Great Wall in 200 BCE to the modern day of iPods, hungry ghosts continue to torment those who wronged them. At once a window into the history and culture of China and an ode to Chinese cuisine, this assortment of frightening tales—complete with historical notes and delectable recipes—will both scare and satiate! Awards & Recognition Notable Book for 2010 by the Children's Literary Assembly; selected by the AARP as a Grandparent's Book for Children.



			Boy Dumplings illustrated by James Yamasaki Dutton/Penguin Putnam, 2009 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0823419555 Begin with one hungry ghost. Add a plump, delicious-looking boy. Sprinkle in some Chinese folklore and a healthy dash of humor. Now sink your teeth into an exciting story about a ghost eager for his next meal—and a boy who must think fast if he doesn't want to get turned into dumplings. Includes a recipe for (nonboy) dumplings.



			Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party Henry Holt, 2007 young adult, ISBN 978-0805082074 The summer of 1972, before I turned nine, danger began knocking on doors all over China. Nine-year-old Ling has a very happy life. Her parents are both dedicated surgeons in Wuhan, and her father teaches her English as they listen to Voice of America on the radio. But when one of Mao’s political officers moves into a room in their apartment, Ling begins to witness the gradual disintegration of her world. In an atmosphere of increasing mistrust and hatred, Ling fears for the safety of her neighbors, and soon, for herself and her family. For the next four years, Ling will suffer more horrors than many people face in a lifetime. Will she be able to grow and blossom under the oppressive rule of Chairman Mao? Or will fighting to survive destroy her spirit—and end her life? A discussion guide is available for this title. Awards & Recognition California Book Award for Young Adult Literature; ALA Best Books For Young Adults;ALA Notable Children's Books; Publishers Weekly Best Children's Fiction Book List; San Francisco Chronicle Best Children's Fiction Book List; Chinese American Librarian Association Best Book; New York Public Library 100 Best Titles for Reading and Sharing; Fall Book Sense Children's Picks; Parent's Choice Silver Honor; Cybils Award Nomination for Young Adult Fiction; Tayshas Reading List (Texas); Chicago Public Library Best of the Best; Cleveland Public Library Celebrate With Books; Cuyahoga County Public Library Great Books for Kids; Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People — CBC and the National Council for Social Studies; IRA Notable Books for a Global Society; NCTE Award; Capitol Choices — Best Books of the Year, Washington, D.C.; New York Public Library's Teen Age List; Cooperative Children's Book Center — Best of the Year; Bank Street College of Education — Best Children's Book; Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts; Book of the Year Award — Northern California Independent Booksellers Association; Women's National Book Association's Judy Lopez Memorial Awards Honor; Maine Student Book Award; Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts; ATPE Book of the Month; Sakura Medal Book;



			The Real Story of Stone Soup illustrated by Stephane Jorisch Dutton Juvenile, 2007 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0525474937 A stingy fisherman always makes his three young helpers do all his work. One day he scolds the “lazy boys” for forgetting to provide lunch. “Don’t worry,” they say. “We can make stone soup.” The boys dig a hole and fill it with water and “flavored” stones. They trick the fisherman into making bowls and chopsticks, and fetching salt and sesame oil. While he’s busy, they stir in bird eggs, add wild vegetables, and slip fish into the soup. By the time the old man returns, they have a feast fit for a king. To this day, “Egg Drop Stone Soup” is a traditional dish in southeast China. A recipe is included.



			D Is for Dragon Dance illustrated by Yongsheng Xuan Holiday House, 2007 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0823420582 A is for Acrobats, B is for Balls, C is for Calligraphy, D is for Dragon Dance. From firecrackers to noodles, from red envelopes to the zodiac, young readers are introduced to the exciting traditions of the Chinese New Year. Includes a recipe for steamed dumplings. Awards & Recognition Recommended by ALSC for holidays

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