The Garden of Empress Cassia

I'm currently now reading the book, "the Garden of the Empress Cassia". This story is about a girl named Mimi, a girl who loves to do art with coloured pastels. When it comes to education for Mimi, things aren't the best with people, they bully her constantly because she's Chinese, and also to get some reaction out of her. I really do enjoy this book but I have some wondering, is this a true story, what year was this and much more.

Mimi likes a boy named Josh Rudd, a boy popular boy that never bullied her, not even once, when her peers make fun of her, some kids can relate to this. Kids and Adults make fun of her for her Garden smell and how everyone views her personality. But one day, her art teacher Miss O'dell gave her brand a new clean box of coloured pastels, then Mimi goes on the street and draws on the footpath and everyone is amazed by this talented girl who smells like plants, but can draw a fool garden of Empress Cassia!