Reviews

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park

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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

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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

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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

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3.0

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

carolined314's review

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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.

Content Warnings

mjm85's review

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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.