Teaching about China can often be difficult because Chinese culture is very different from the culture of most American students. Students in social studies classes can find it hard to relate to such a distant and unfamiliar country. As China becomes a more and more integral part of the social studies curriculum, teachers must find effective methods to teach about the country in ways that are interesting, relevant, and engaging. The use of the right literature can go a long way toward helping students to understand China in greater depth. Each year, the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) produces list of "Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People." This list has often included books about China during the rule of Mao Zedong. From the past lists, the authors have compiled a list of five stories that would be appropriate and effective texts for teaching middle and high school students about the rule of Mao Zedong. (Contains 14 notes.)