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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
Amah (the Storyteller): Stories cannot tell all.
The Stonecutter: I disagree. I think stories tell everything.
When the Sea Turned to Silver (2016) by Grace Lin was nominated for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature and I can definitely see why. This is a gorgeous book from the story itself to the beautifully drawn illustrations. Grace Lin uses stories from Chinese folklore and mythology and weaves them into the current narrative about Pinmei, her grandmother Amah, and her friend Yishan.
When a new Emperor known as the Tiger Emperor comes to power he is supposed to make a journey up the mountain where Pinmei and her grandmother live. There he will consult with the spirit of the mountain. But this emperor doesn't make it to the top--perhaps he is too full of pride. Perhaps he is too intent on his all-encompassing plan to surround himself with the largest wall ever. So, the only things he takes with him from the mountain are all of the able-bodied men for slaves to build his wall.
But he also takes Amah, the renowned Storyteller. Now what could an Emperor obsessed with walls want with a Storyteller? When Yishan challenges him and demands that the Emperor leave Amah alone, the Tiger Emperor tells him that he will let Amah go if the boy brings him the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night. Yishan and Pinmei have many adventures in their quest to find the Stone, most of which mirror or incorporate the many stories that Amah has told them over the years. They also meet many new friends who help them along their journey. Pinmei, who has always been shy, find her own voice to tell the stories that will lead the way and the bravery within to defeat the Tiger Emperor and set her grandmother free.
This book is a beautiful story all on its own--the story of a young girl who finds her own voice and strength as she seeks to help her grandmother. It is also a beautiful blending of folklore and traditions to make a new and absorbing story. Written with great care for language and a luminous style well-suited to the myth and folklore used as a background for this lovely word tapestry. ★★★★ and a half.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
The Stonecutter: I disagree. I think stories tell everything.
When the Sea Turned to Silver (2016) by Grace Lin was nominated for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature and I can definitely see why. This is a gorgeous book from the story itself to the beautifully drawn illustrations. Grace Lin uses stories from Chinese folklore and mythology and weaves them into the current narrative about Pinmei, her grandmother Amah, and her friend Yishan.
When a new Emperor known as the Tiger Emperor comes to power he is supposed to make a journey up the mountain where Pinmei and her grandmother live. There he will consult with the spirit of the mountain. But this emperor doesn't make it to the top--perhaps he is too full of pride. Perhaps he is too intent on his all-encompassing plan to surround himself with the largest wall ever. So, the only things he takes with him from the mountain are all of the able-bodied men for slaves to build his wall.
But he also takes Amah, the renowned Storyteller. Now what could an Emperor obsessed with walls want with a Storyteller? When Yishan challenges him and demands that the Emperor leave Amah alone, the Tiger Emperor tells him that he will let Amah go if the boy brings him the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night. Yishan and Pinmei have many adventures in their quest to find the Stone, most of which mirror or incorporate the many stories that Amah has told them over the years. They also meet many new friends who help them along their journey. Pinmei, who has always been shy, find her own voice to tell the stories that will lead the way and the bravery within to defeat the Tiger Emperor and set her grandmother free.
This book is a beautiful story all on its own--the story of a young girl who finds her own voice and strength as she seeks to help her grandmother. It is also a beautiful blending of folklore and traditions to make a new and absorbing story. Written with great care for language and a luminous style well-suited to the myth and folklore used as a background for this lovely word tapestry. ★★★★ and a half.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
Pinmei lives on the mountain with her grandmother, Amanda, the storyteller. Their lives are tranquil and peaceful until Amah is taken by the emperor for reasons Pinmei can't figure out. She and her friend, Yishan, embark on an adventure to find Amah.
This book, like Grace Lin's other books in this series, entwines Pinmei and Yishan's story with the the ancient stories of Amah. I love how Lin weaves folktales into the plot of the book and brings them all together. I enjoyed the first two books, Where the Mountain Meets The Moon and a starry River Of The Sky, so was looking forward to this one and it didn't disappoint.
This book, like Grace Lin's other books in this series, entwines Pinmei and Yishan's story with the the ancient stories of Amah. I love how Lin weaves folktales into the plot of the book and brings them all together. I enjoyed the first two books, Where the Mountain Meets The Moon and a starry River Of The Sky, so was looking forward to this one and it didn't disappoint.
Wish I would have had this book when my kids were little. Stories interwoven with more stories - taken from the author's other books, koans, folklore and history. This is why I read books for kids.
5/7/2019/ - listened to this again. delightful.
5/7/2019/ - listened to this again. delightful.
{3.5} The main reason I picked this book up was because when I was younger, I had read almost all of Grace Lin's books, and LOVED them. So, if not simply for the purpose of reminiscing, I checked this one out of the library. It really was a fun book, and the stories were good. But not as good as I thought I remembered Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, or as captivating as fun. And it definitely could be because my reading taste has changed, or I'm older now, but I really wanted to love this book. And I did like it, I thought there were some good morals, and it was a well-written action book for younger kids.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't have enough space on GR to post my full review (tho it's more of a breakdown for this book) so I'mma split this up, post the first half (ish) and then just continue in the comments which is lame and annoying so if you'd rather read an unbroken break down of the book, you could always go read it on my old website here: http://read-free-online.blogspot.com/2019/03/when-sea-turned-to-silver-overview.html
(also I mostly just copied and pasted the introduction on the blog, so don't be weirded out if it sounds familiar
(also I mostly just copied and pasted the introduction on the blog, so don't be weirded out if it sounds familiar
When the Sea Turned to Silver
Grace Lin
This beautiful book is a middle grade, Chinese fairytale. The main story follows Pinmei and Yishan. Pinmei's grandma is a storyteller. People from near and far come to listen to her seemingly endless stories. But one day, the Emperor imprisons her. Pinmei finds out the Emperor is after a "Luminous Stone That Lights the Night". She sets out to find this stone and free Amah along with her friend Yishan.
The main story is peppered with smaller stories - fairy-tales/lore. Amah (Pinmei's grandmother) and Pinmei take turns telling them. We meet some other characters along the way. One of the most important aspects of the story is the making of great wall. It's horrifying to see how many people were forced to work on the wall and were sacrificed for it.
Slowly the stories Pinmei and Amah tell merge with their own story. The writing is fantastical and engaging. It's just great storytelling. The illustrations are so full of heart! The detailing in each chapter header shows you how much work went into it. The book is not perfect though. I didn't like one of the main characters much. And at the end it felt like too many stories were connected to make complete sense. Nevertheless it was a wholesome read. I'll definitely read more from the author.
Grace Lin
This beautiful book is a middle grade, Chinese fairytale. The main story follows Pinmei and Yishan. Pinmei's grandma is a storyteller. People from near and far come to listen to her seemingly endless stories. But one day, the Emperor imprisons her. Pinmei finds out the Emperor is after a "Luminous Stone That Lights the Night". She sets out to find this stone and free Amah along with her friend Yishan.
The main story is peppered with smaller stories - fairy-tales/lore. Amah (Pinmei's grandmother) and Pinmei take turns telling them. We meet some other characters along the way. One of the most important aspects of the story is the making of great wall. It's horrifying to see how many people were forced to work on the wall and were sacrificed for it.
Slowly the stories Pinmei and Amah tell merge with their own story. The writing is fantastical and engaging. It's just great storytelling. The illustrations are so full of heart! The detailing in each chapter header shows you how much work went into it. The book is not perfect though. I didn't like one of the main characters much. And at the end it felt like too many stories were connected to make complete sense. Nevertheless it was a wholesome read. I'll definitely read more from the author.
I loved the folklore, stories-within-stories, and dimensional parallels. As you read, each anecdote adds to the wholeness of this book. I’m connected like the red string being held by the man in the moon.
I was completely immersed in the adventure of Pinmei, Yishan, and Lady Meng to obtain the luminous stone in hopes of redeeming, helping (or saving) one another against the tyrannical imperial king.
I also love the illustrations and Chinese paper cut chapter headings
I was completely immersed in the adventure of Pinmei, Yishan, and Lady Meng to obtain the luminous stone in hopes of redeeming, helping (or saving) one another against the tyrannical imperial king.
I also love the illustrations and Chinese paper cut chapter headings