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bineclo788's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
emilyb_chicago's review against another edition
5.0
Don't be put off when I tell you this story is written in verse. It feels more real to have just the most powerful words telling the story of a young life upturned and forced into new languages and patterns. I look forward to reading this with my 5th grader and discussing the conversations that this book will initiate.
katdfleming's review against another edition
3.0
Great read and an interesting perspective to hear the character's thoughts through poetic writing.
can_of_spam's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-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
5.0
alicebme's review against another edition
3.0
I read this right after Solis' Lotus Eaters. Picks up where that one left off, only from a Vietnamese child's point of view and in verse. Full arc. Got where it needed to go.
gracepizza40's review against another edition
5.0
There are many Pink Boys at my school. It's concerning to have these kinds of people in our next generation. They might evolve, but why do they have to permanently disturb others' experiences before?
dawsonscreek's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Racism
joana_stormblessed's review against another edition
4.0
Summary:
This is the story about Ha, who lives with her mother and three brothers in Vietnam (during the war). Eventually they end up leaving to flee to America.
This story is written in verse, so it is definitely a very quick read. It is separated in three different stages: in Vietnam, on the ship, in the USA. You follow her hardships to get used to a new world, where people mock her accent, her face, and everything that makes her who she is. You also get introduced to the characters that help her in this transition of life.
Opinion:
I really enjoyed this story. I liked how honest it was, and how the author describes certain elements of Ha's life (which are strongly inspired on her own life). The writing was beautiful and the story was gripping. I tend to have a hard time with poetry, because I have a hard time piecing it together as a story, but this book flowed really well, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is the story about Ha, who lives with her mother and three brothers in Vietnam (during the war). Eventually they end up leaving to flee to America.
This story is written in verse, so it is definitely a very quick read. It is separated in three different stages: in Vietnam, on the ship, in the USA. You follow her hardships to get used to a new world, where people mock her accent, her face, and everything that makes her who she is. You also get introduced to the characters that help her in this transition of life.
Opinion:
I really enjoyed this story. I liked how honest it was, and how the author describes certain elements of Ha's life (which are strongly inspired on her own life). The writing was beautiful and the story was gripping. I tend to have a hard time with poetry, because I have a hard time piecing it together as a story, but this book flowed really well, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
leeeeeds's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Beautiful just beautiful. Am I still crying? I received the sequel to this book as a gift from my sister. Upon realizing it had a first part I ordered this book immediately. I love the idea of this being written in verse. The last time I read a children’s book in verse was Out of the Dust, a book I enjoyed very much. Something about verse makes feelings and emotions just jump right off the page. Now, I felt for Hà, I wasn’t bullied as much as a kid but I felt the struggles of learning English as a second language, and just being a child in a new country with new customs. I would have been elated to have read this book as a child. I hardly ever read stories about kids like me, let alone any Vietnamese ones. So important to keep circulating these kinds of stories and elevating BIPOC authors. I’m an adult and often I read kids books as I hope to one day write some of my own. This book was exemplary and truly deserving of its accolades.
kelanikay's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0