Defying China: A Memoir

The incredible true story of a teen who became an activist for the Tibetan independence movement, for readers of Red Scarf Girl and Farewell to Manzanar.

Tsultrim Dolma, born in a tiny village in the stunning mountains of eastern Tibet, always knew there had to be more than the life expected of her: More than no education, because her family was poor. More than being married off at a young age, because she was a girl. More than barely getting by under oppressive Chinese occupation, because she was Tibetan. When she was sixteen, Tsultrim found more, joining protests for the Tibetan independence movement, the call for her beloved country's liberation from the People's Republic of China. Shortly after, she was arrested and sent to Gutsa Detention Center, notorious for its brutal torture of political prisoners like Tsultrim.

This young adult memoir follows Tsultrim's courageous coming of age through her time at Gutsa, being heavily surveilled by the government after her release, and, ultimately, her escape to the U.S. It also underscores the bravery it takes to speak up, and the power to be found in sharing one's story.

Author: Tsultrim Dolma,Rebecca Wei Hsieh
Publisher: Dial Books
Published: 03/10/2026
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9780593615959
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 02/01/2026
Publishers Weekly 12/15/2025
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2026

About the Author
Tsultrim Dolma is a Tibetan American activist who first garnered attention for her testimony before Congress, and has since been profiled by multiple outlets (including The Independent, USA Today, and The Washington Times) in advocating for Tibetan liberation.

Rebecca Wei Hsieh is a writer from Taipei, Taiwan, where she grew up under political and military pressure from the People's Republic of China; her work has been featured in outlets like We Need Diverse Books, Observer, and Book Riot.