"The Paper Menagerie"

"The Paper Menagerie" is a short story by Ken Liu that explores themes of identity, family, and cultural conflict. It follows Jack, a mixed-race boy who struggles to connect with his Chinese heritage and his mother’s efforts to keep her culture alive through origami animals that magically come to life. As Jack grows older, he distances himself from his roots and his mother, leading to feelings of guilt and loss. The story highlights the importance of embracing cultural identity and the deep emotional bonds between family members, especially across generations.