The Paper Menagerie

1. Introduction: The story begins with the introduction of the main character, Jack, who shares his experiences growing up as a mixed-race child in America. He feels disconnected from his Chinese heritage and struggles to fit in with his peers.

2. The Paper Menagerie: Jack's mother, an immigrant from China, surprises him one day by creating magical origami animals, which come to life and become his companions. These paper animals represent the bond between Jack and his mother and become a symbol of their unique connection.

3. Rejection of Heritage: As Jack grows older, he becomes embarrassed by his mother's Chinese customs and traditions. He rejects his Chinese heritage, wanting to assimilate completely into American culture.

4. Loss and Regret: Jack's mother becomes ill, and he realizes he missed the opportunity to learn more about her and their shared heritage. He deeply regrets his choices and the distance he created between them.

5. The Final Wish: On her deathbed, Jack's mother gives him a powerful revelation. She tells him that she used to be a living person but was given life through a magical origami by her mother, Jack's grandmother. She requests him to burn her last paper animal, the paper tiger, with her body, so she can return to her original form.

6. Transformation and Acceptance: Jack fulfills his mother's final wish, and as the paper tiger burns, he witnesses a profound transformation. He finally understands the depth of his mother's love and the significance of embracing his cultural heritage.

The story became the first work of fiction to win all of the Nebula, the Hugo and the World Fantasy Awards.[2][3] The South China Morning Post praised the story.[4]