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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
mrsohlin's review against another edition
2.0
The Secret of the Jade Bangle by Linda Trinh is a thoughtful and insightful book, particularly valuable for children navigating an intercultural upbringing. The story explores the unique challenges faced by children who straddle two different worlds—one shaped by their family’s cultural background, the other by the dominant culture of the society they live in.
One of the book's most compelling features is its exploration of cultural identity. Trinh offers readers a glimpse into Vietnamese traditions and beliefs, including the concept of ghosts, particularly the spirit of a deceased grandmother who continues to guide and teach the protagonist, especially in the kitchen. This belief in ancestral spirits forms a key part of the book’s foundation, offering an engaging yet respectful window into Vietnamese spiritual life.
Trinh also delicately addresses the complexities of living interculturally. Through the eyes of the protagonist, readers witness the challenges of trying to bridge two worlds—where cultural misunderstandings, like the teacher’s failure to fully understand her student’s background, play out. The book touches on themes of food, tradition, and familial connection, all of which resonate deeply with those familiar with immigrant or diasporic experiences.
However, The Secret of the Jade Bangle may not suit every reader, especially those seeking to teach Christian or Biblical values to their children. The spiritual elements—such as the belief in ancestral ghosts—are central to the story, and those who prioritize specific religious teachings may find this aspect of the book conflicting.
Overall, The Secret of the Jade Bangle is a solid and enriching read for children living in intercultural environments. It offers a glimpse into a world that may be unfamiliar to many readers, encouraging empathy, understanding, and respect for different traditions. While the book's approach may not resonate with everyone, especially when it comes to religious perspectives, it remains a valuable tool for sparking cross-cultural conversations and promoting greater awareness of the immigrant experience.
One of the book's most compelling features is its exploration of cultural identity. Trinh offers readers a glimpse into Vietnamese traditions and beliefs, including the concept of ghosts, particularly the spirit of a deceased grandmother who continues to guide and teach the protagonist, especially in the kitchen. This belief in ancestral spirits forms a key part of the book’s foundation, offering an engaging yet respectful window into Vietnamese spiritual life.
Trinh also delicately addresses the complexities of living interculturally. Through the eyes of the protagonist, readers witness the challenges of trying to bridge two worlds—where cultural misunderstandings, like the teacher’s failure to fully understand her student’s background, play out. The book touches on themes of food, tradition, and familial connection, all of which resonate deeply with those familiar with immigrant or diasporic experiences.
However, The Secret of the Jade Bangle may not suit every reader, especially those seeking to teach Christian or Biblical values to their children. The spiritual elements—such as the belief in ancestral ghosts—are central to the story, and those who prioritize specific religious teachings may find this aspect of the book conflicting.
Overall, The Secret of the Jade Bangle is a solid and enriching read for children living in intercultural environments. It offers a glimpse into a world that may be unfamiliar to many readers, encouraging empathy, understanding, and respect for different traditions. While the book's approach may not resonate with everyone, especially when it comes to religious perspectives, it remains a valuable tool for sparking cross-cultural conversations and promoting greater awareness of the immigrant experience.
cathy_acasefullofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
My six-year-old has a goal to read more chapter books this year. She picked this one out at the library and we read it together. I actually also borrowed the audiobook from the library as well and we listened while we followed along in the book. There were quite a few Vietnamese phrases in it and I didn't want to butcher that beautiful language. 😅
This book really surprised me. From the title, I assumed it was a cute little mystery. But instead it was about Anne's life, connecting with her ancestors and her heritage, and figuring out how to navigate some instances of racism. I thought it was all perfectly age appropriate and a great way to approach some tough topics for young kiddos.
We have two more books in the series ready to go. I hope we can also get the audiobooks for those ones!
This book really surprised me. From the title, I assumed it was a cute little mystery. But instead it was about Anne's life, connecting with her ancestors and her heritage, and figuring out how to navigate some instances of racism. I thought it was all perfectly age appropriate and a great way to approach some tough topics for young kiddos.
We have two more books in the series ready to go. I hope we can also get the audiobooks for those ones!
latad_books's review against another edition
4.0
After their grandmother Nội passed away, she gave an item to each child: a jade bangle to nine-year old Annie, pearl earrings to middle sister Liz, and a painted fan to youngest Jacob. This book is Annie's story.
Annie is thrilled to be learning from a respected ballet teacher, but things turn sour when the teacher repeatedly singles Annie out, making statements about Annie's background that leave the girl uncomfortable. Annie questions whether what she is feeling is real because her best friend Sophie does not perceive the statements in the same way. Annie takes comfort in her grandmother's words and cooking lessons when her grandmother's ghost connects with the girl through the jade bangle, and eventually, Annie talks to her parents about her distressing ballet teacher.
While aimed at kids and using a gentle approach, author Linda Trinh skillfully navigated a difficult to deal with aspect of subtle racism in her story of the Nguyen siblings.
Annie is thrilled to be learning from a respected ballet teacher, but things turn sour when the teacher repeatedly singles Annie out, making statements about Annie's background that leave the girl uncomfortable. Annie questions whether what she is feeling is real because her best friend Sophie does not perceive the statements in the same way. Annie takes comfort in her grandmother's words and cooking lessons when her grandmother's ghost connects with the girl through the jade bangle, and eventually, Annie talks to her parents about her distressing ballet teacher.
While aimed at kids and using a gentle approach, author Linda Trinh skillfully navigated a difficult to deal with aspect of subtle racism in her story of the Nguyen siblings.
all_books_great_and_small's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
heatherpicciuti's review
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
angelica87's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book. It was an amazing Canadians children’s story. I loved how family and culture was at the forefront of this book! The illustrations also helped to bring the very important message to life.
amando's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book! I really wanted to like it from the description, and happily it lives up to the hype. It's fun to read and covers issues like microagressions, racism. The magic/supernatural element gives it another page-turning dimension. I learned a lot about Vietnamese culture as well. I'm looking forward to having my kids read it!
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
A great first book in a new middle grade easy reader series that features three Vietnamese Canadian siblings and the various gifts they inherit from their recently deceased grandmother. This book features the eldest sibling, nine year old Anne, named after Anne of Green Gables who is visited by the spirit of her grandmother when her family's ritual offerings are too 'Canadian.' Her grandmother teaches Anne how to make more traditional food while also helping her deal with incidents of racism Anne experiences from her ballet teacher. Good on audio and great for fans of authors like Kelly Yang.
alohabooksandbujos's review against another edition
5.0
This is a beautiful book for children that touches upon not only the feelings of not belonging, being a good friend, and family traditions- but also tough topics such as speaking up and racism.
The storyline was deep and heartfelt that led to many scenes of feeling love and heartbreak for the characters. The illustrations are beautiful and soft to match the essence of Anne and her family.
Thank you NetGalley and Annick Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
The storyline was deep and heartfelt that led to many scenes of feeling love and heartbreak for the characters. The illustrations are beautiful and soft to match the essence of Anne and her family.
Thank you NetGalley and Annick Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
bennysbooks's review against another edition
5.0
My 6-year old is obsessed with this series. Linda Trinh has managed to write compassionate, enlightening books for kids that are well-written enough for an adult to sit through, and I am beyond grateful. It's a pleasure for both of us to spend time with the Nguyen kids.