The novel introduces the protagonist, a Chinese American woman named Mei, and her family as they live in the Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco. The chapter establishes Mei's close bond with her sisters and her strained relationship with her parents.
Chapter 2: The Prophecy
Mei and her sisters visit their grandmother, Popo, who tells them an old Chinese folktale about a girl who swallowed stars and gained the power to heal others. Popo hints that one of the sisters may possess this special ability.
Chapter 3: Discovering the Stones
Mei's sister, Grace, discovers a mysterious bag filled with small, glowing stones in the basement of their house. The sisters sense the stones' power but don't fully understand their purpose.
Chapter 4: Mei's Transformation
Mei accidentally swallows one of the stones, and her body undergoes a series of astonishing changes. She becomes physically stronger and develops the ability to heal others by touch.
Chapter 5: The Awakening
Mei's parents, who are unaware of her newfound abilities, send her to a Christian boarding school. There, she meets a handsome boy named Joseph and experiences her first romantic feelings.
Chapter 6: The Healing Miracle
Mei's healing powers come to the attention of the school principal, who asks her to help a terminally ill student. Mei's successful healing act generates admiration and skepticism from the school community.
Chapter 7: Identity Crisis
Mei struggles to reconcile her new abilities with her faith and heritage. She feels torn between embracing her Chinese identity and fitting into the Christian environment of the school.
Chapter 8: The Dragon Festival
Mei's family arranges a dragon dance performance at the annual Chinatown Dragon Festival, hoping it will bring good fortune. Mei's participation in the dance reveals the true nature of her powers to the community.
Chapter 9: Popo's Secret
Mei discovers that Popo possesses similar powers to her own and has been using them to heal people in Chinatown. Popo explains that the stones are linked to an ancient Chinese legend and must be used responsibly.
Chapter 10: The Showdown
Mei's abilities attract the attention of a powerful and malevolent sorcerer named Zhang, who seeks to control her for his own nefarious purposes. Mei and her sisters confront Zhang in a climactic battle that tests their courage, strength, and familial bond.
Chapter 11: Embracing Destiny
Mei finally embraces her heritage and the responsibility that comes with her newfound powers. She makes a choice that impacts her relationship with Joseph, her family, and the fate of the Chinese American community.
Chapter 12: New Horizons
The novel ends with Mei finding a sense of balance and purpose in her life, blending her Chinese traditions and her newfound abilities to make a positive impact on the world.