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bookwyrm76's review
5.0
I went into this book not sure what to expect. I am a fan of Linda Sue Park, but not of the original Little House books. Not because of any of the current issues that concern adults about these books, but because I found them boring as I did most historical fiction. Prairie Lotus was anything but boring. I loved the characters and I could see the parallels to the Wilder books which Park was a fan of growing up, but she goes so far beyond them. I found her author's note to be as interesting as the book itself. I love hearing about the how and why of writing, not necessarily the nitty gritty detail, but the thought process and reasons for making certain choices. It added even more shades of meaning to a story which already had a great deal of depth. As always, the thought, research, and care she puts into her writing makes the book shine. i can't wait to recommend this to the kids in my library. I wish it were already released!
daumari's review
5.0
Like author Linda Sue Park, I was a big Little House on the Prairie book fan. My second grade teacher read LHotP to us in class, and when we did a family trip to Michigan the next summer, my parents made stops in Plum Creek, MN and DeSmet, SD. Nothing fits a long roadtrip quite well like staring out the window at grass and thinking about Laura doing the same from the back of the wagon.
However, like Park it's hard to ignore the fact that the Ingalls family likely would've been racist to me with some of the aggressions that Hanna encounters (and as Park notes, are all things she's faced IRL). Historical fiction is whitewashed, and that gives an erroneous perception that history largely belongs to white people. Black and brown people have existed in all eras; do you think our ancestors stayed at home until deciding to move in the 20th century or something? Prairie Lotus is Park's way of reckoning with that childhood love while envisioning how girls like us would've lived in a pioneer town.
LH fans will find this a familiar place- small town with a one room school house, cheerful calicos and poplins, and salt pork. One of Hanna's classmates is an expy of Laura Ingalls Wilder herself (lived in the same states and wants to graduate & become a teacher soon). Unlike the Little House books, though, Park recognizes that indigenous people lived in the area and they have names & dialogue instead of being a nameless, voiceless Other. A lot of what 14-year-old Hanna faces from townsfolk is unfortunately timeless, and will be familiar to any nonwhite reader (as is the way she reacts, not wanting to give the satisfaction of a reaction especially as the only Asian these people have likely met).
Really loved this, and it was the perfect way to segue into my Little House reread. I'll strongly recommend this book in general, and also as a companion book for readers going through LH, especially those who Ma would've snubbed.
However, like Park it's hard to ignore the fact that the Ingalls family likely would've been racist to me with some of the aggressions that Hanna encounters (and as Park notes, are all things she's faced IRL). Historical fiction is whitewashed, and that gives an erroneous perception that history largely belongs to white people. Black and brown people have existed in all eras; do you think our ancestors stayed at home until deciding to move in the 20th century or something? Prairie Lotus is Park's way of reckoning with that childhood love while envisioning how girls like us would've lived in a pioneer town.
LH fans will find this a familiar place- small town with a one room school house, cheerful calicos and poplins, and salt pork. One of Hanna's classmates is an expy of Laura Ingalls Wilder herself (lived in the same states and wants to graduate & become a teacher soon). Unlike the Little House books, though, Park recognizes that indigenous people lived in the area and they have names & dialogue instead of being a nameless, voiceless Other. A lot of what 14-year-old Hanna faces from townsfolk is unfortunately timeless, and will be familiar to any nonwhite reader (as is the way she reacts, not wanting to give the satisfaction of a reaction especially as the only Asian these people have likely met).
Really loved this, and it was the perfect way to segue into my Little House reread. I'll strongly recommend this book in general, and also as a companion book for readers going through LH, especially those who Ma would've snubbed.
bibliobrandie's review
4.0
This historical fiction book is set in 1880s and features 14-year old Hanna. She and her father have just moved to another frontier town following her mother's death three years earlier. Hanna deals with racism as they've traveled in search for a home. For me, this is the first look at frontier life with a new set of eyes where racism, immigration, Native American reservations, and invisible histories are explored.
My only complaints are that it ends pretty abruptly and doesn't dive deep enough into some of these topics, but honestly it's perfect for the age (as an adult, I just wanted more!). These topics could be explored more int he classroom/curriculum.
I loved the author's note and how Park discusses her love and passion for the Little House series and reconciling those stories to her identity and heritage
My only complaints are that it ends pretty abruptly and doesn't dive deep enough into some of these topics, but honestly it's perfect for the age (as an adult, I just wanted more!). These topics could be explored more int he classroom/curriculum.
I loved the author's note and how Park discusses her love and passion for the Little House series and reconciling those stories to her identity and heritage
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.
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
Linda Sue Park is a fantastic author. Prairie Lotus is a great middle-grade book about the realities of race relations in 1880s Dakota Territory. The characters all rang true, and there were some interesting Little House on the Prairie tie-ins if you can spot them.
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: