During the Japanese occupation of parts of China, twelve-year-old Ye Xian is thrown out of her father's and stepmother's home, joins a martial arts group, and tries to help her aunt and the Americans in their struggle against the Japanese invaders. Includes historical notes.

1. The boy acrobats -- 2. Chinese zodiac -- 3. Abandoned and homeless -- 4. New friends -- 5. Wu Shu Xue Shiao--Martial Arts Academy -- 6. Kung Fu -- 7. Poster from Marat's big brother -- 8. Letter from big aunt -- 9. Life at the Martial Arts Academy -- 10. Yi Jing : the book of magic -- 11. The password -- 12. The mission -- 13. Chuchow airfields -- 14. Nan Tian island -- 15. The Japanese paratrooper -- 16. The monster -- 17. Master Wu's pet -- 18. Escape to the mainland -- 19. A visitor from home -- 20. Running away -- 21. Rescue plans -- 22. Last letters -- 23. The future belongs to use -- Historical note -- Glossary of Chinese words -- The Chinese zodiac.