Reviews

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park

libwinnie'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.

debbiebarr's review

5.0

This was excellent!

shirleytupperfreeman's review

Hanna's Chinese mother used to embroider a prairie lotus flower into every article of clothing she made. As a half Asian/half white child in 1880, Hanna has never been welcomed at school so she learned everything she knows, including sewing, from her parents. After her mother dies, Hanna and her father make their way to the Dakota territory to try and make a life for themselves by opening a dress shop in the town of La Forge. Prejudice follows them but Hanna's spirit and a few good people prevail. Linda Sue Park loved Laura Ingalls Wilder stories as a child. She has done a wonderful job of writing such a story featuring a non-white child dealing with a people and a culture who don't want to know her because of who she is.

joy323's review

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

caitlinlibrarian's review

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

readmoreyall's review

3.0

I really wish the author did a better job representing the Indigenous culture in the book.

carolined314's review

challenging emotional hopeful informative 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? It's complicated

4.0

I delayed reading this because of my issues with Laura Ingalls, and that was a mistake. This is a perfectly charming, wonderfully intuitive and loving depiction of a kid living a really hard life, surrounded by prejudice, and (mostly) undaunted. A book I think would be helpful for almost everybody to read, and also fun and easy to read.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism

Moderate: Grief

Minor: Sexual assault

mjm85's review

medium-paced

3.0

I read this to the boys for their book competition at school. It led to some interesting conversations about racism but otherwise was dull. It would have been more interesting to learn about the Indians on the nearby reservation than a girl who sewed dresses. There was no conclusion or resolution of the girl and her similar ages peers. 

jaij7's review

5.0

Couldn't put it down and I love, love, love the author's note.

rachelwebber's review

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25