This book tells how Pablo, an American middle-school student, went to take part in a table tennis match in China after overcoming many difficulties. It also tells how he made friends with salesman Bubbha after overcoming prejudices. There are altogether 6 chapters in this book, "We are no longer in Kansas, Welcome to Russia, Unique luck of Russia, Zigzag long road, Pablo runs to catch a bus, Match to begin soon". At the end of each chapter, there are comprehensive questions written in English. The intension is for the teacher or the students to check their understanding of the story. Glossary is attached at the end of the book.
This story is based on a book written originally in Spanish by Blain Ray, creator of the teaching method of TPRS - Teaching Proficiency through Reaching and Story-telling. Widely used in USA, TPRS helps students learn vocabulary and develop communication skills through interesting stories and simulated real-life situations.
Susan Zhang, a Chinese teacher of Shanghai American School, has rich experience in teaching at an international school and has been involved in a number of teaching training programs. She has published two books of I Like Studying Chinese series, Mary in Shanghai and Poor Anna. She also published a textbook used by middle school students - I Love Learning Chinese.