From Publishers Weekly: After her two memoirs on her childhood in China, Fritz now turns her stellar abilities to this engaging historical account of one of China's most extraordinary eventsthe famous march of the Communist army during 1934-35. Based on firsthand interviews and many published sources, the book contains a wealth of interesting detailsthe existence of traveling ear-cleaners, for an exampleand several extended, suspenseful episodes, including the dangerous crossings of Luding Bridge and Fairy Mountain. The impressions of Chen Changfeng, Mao's bodyguard, give the narrative an admirable coherence and a light-hearted focus that is characteristic of Fritz's work. Suitable for the studious reader, the book moves far beyond politics to recount the human drama of the march, the suffering that led people to such drastic measures and the spirit that kept them marching when hunger and illness threatened to overtake them. The maps help place the action; bold illustrations add further drama by showing small figures trekking across vast landscapes. Ages 10-up. : Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. : From School Library Journal: Grade 6 Up An account of the Chinese Communist Red Army's march for safety and survival in 1934 to 1935, told from the point of view of the common soldier and marchers, some of whom were women. This is a welcome change from most traditional accounts, which focus on the roles of the male leaders and the strategies they used. It is ironic that this focus makes this account rather difficult to follow. Young readers without background or guidance will have difficulty understanding the reasons for the march and some of the events along the way. At times the action bogs down in overly long descriptions of battles, confrontations, and river crossings. In contrast to these flaws, Fritz does an excellent job of characterization, conveying the mood of the march and the incredible dedication of the communists to the revolution. She describes the sacrifices that the marchers made and explains how they won the trust of the Chinese peasants and gained strength, paving the way for their ultimate victory in 1949. Impressionistic black-and-white drawings convey the tone of the narrative. Goldston's The Long March (Watts, 1971; o. P. ) offers a more complete account of the entire march, with more maps and photos as well as a good amount of historical perspective and analysis. China's Long March will not replace such titles, but does complement them and offers a more personal point of view. Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, Mo. : Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.; 124 pages