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handsliftedhigh's review
5.0
Beautiful exploration of racism on the prairie. In it the author explores the tension of loving Little House but unsure if Laura would have actually be friends with her, a Korean American. Should be read alongside other pioneer stories.
gracepizza40's review
4.0
4.7
I think it ended concisely with everything resolved, which isn't that realistic, but it was still a great book! It was shorter and simpler than I thought it would be. I really liked that the microaggressions and encounters were portrayed, well-written, and accurate! This historical fiction book would be an excellent addition to elementary and middle school libraries, as it has Asian representation and main characters (which is obviously lacking in schools), is a historical fiction book and is the perfect length. Also, after reading the author's note I probably won't be reading Laura Ingalls-Wilders' books anytime soon haha.
I think it ended concisely with everything
Spoiler
except for Mr. Swenson reallySpoiler
I also loved that May was half Chinese and Korean like Hanna was Half Chinese-Korean and European and that May's stories and the meaning of Hanna's name were told! I was surprised to find out that May was Chinese and Korean. :Dtrevoryan's review
5.0
I got literal chills (not the scary kind, the heartwarming kind) while reading the last page of this book. Amazing.
amieinstereo's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-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? No
4.75
dahlias_and_pyrotechnics's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
rchluther's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love Linda Sue Park, and I think this was another wonderful work by her! Love the Little House tie-ins as well.
bookish_mrs_w's review against another edition
4.0
Well now…Prairie Lotus affected me way more than I thought it would. This was a fantastic MG read. As someone who loved Little House on the Prairie, this book gave me some food for thought. There were times I was so angry for Hannah, and yet, so hopeful. I love that MG is tackling diversity in so many genres, and giving our youth some really incredible perspectives to open their minds and hearts.
bickie's review
Beautiful writing and excellent depiction of anti-Asian racism (specifically, anti-Chinese) and its effect on a 14-year-old girl. There is a lot that will be familiar to readers who experience racism in their own lives, including the mental gymnastics Hanna goes through when deciding how to act and her ability to erase her face of all emotion. Hanna learns, also, that "unfairness" is not only about "how white people treated Chinese people" but also "about how white people treat anybody who isn't white." The book also shows the effects of people working to be white allies.
The author consciously worked to depict Native people respectfully and to critically address some of the issues with "westward expansion" such as "This was Indian land until a few years ago - no. It still is Indian land. Stolen by white people. You steal something, that doesn't make it yours." However, there were some cringy statements early on, and I'm not sure the interactions with Wichapiwin and the other women and children (unnamed) were relatable for Native readers. I wish this had been done a little better because otherwise, it's a 5-star book.
CW:
The author consciously worked to depict Native people respectfully and to critically address some of the issues with "westward expansion" such as "This was Indian land until a few years ago - no. It still is Indian land. Stolen by white people. You steal something, that doesn't make it yours." However, there were some cringy statements early on, and I'm not sure the interactions with Wichapiwin and the other women and children (unnamed) were relatable for Native readers. I wish this had been done a little better because otherwise, it's a 5-star book.
CW:
Spoiler
father with a temper, assault and subsequent victim-blaming, racism, parental death (previous to story) due to race-related riotslibwinnie's review
4.0
Full disclosure: I loved the LHOTP books as a kid, but I see how problematic they are as an adult. There is controversy around the indigenous representation in this book and I see that, too. However, the representation of the biracial Chinese/white protagonist is stellar. A lot to unpack in this book representation-wise.