Pearl’s father is a missionary in China. When Pearl befriends Chinese Willow they are inseparable. It is only under Mao’s repressive regime that Pearl’s family is forced to flee China. The friends have no contact with each other because Willow fears this could endanger her family.
This story is based on Pearl S. Buck’s early life in China where she developed a deep love of the country.
Sounds like another book to add to my list!