The Cloudmakers — James Rumford

In A.D. 751, an old Chinese grandfather and his grandson are captured by the Great Sultan of Samarkand. Rather than be sold into slavery, they are granted seven days to prove Young Wu's claim that they can “make clouds.” Grandfather and grandson set to work, using only what they have with them: their rope shoes, a walking stick, and a worn carrying sack. The result is Chinese paper, earning them their freedom and marking a turning point in human history. This paperback edition includes a new map not available in the hardcover edition.