A review by obscurepages
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

inspiring lighthearted reflective
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 This book is EVERYTHING.

Joanna Ho's lyrical and powerful writing combined with Dung Ho's gorgeous illustrations resulted into an affirming and heartwarming story that teaches us to love and celebrate our Asian identity.

This was so sweet and tender. It explored the beauty of our identity and nurtured self love and confidence throughout the story. Family was also an important theme in this book, just as much as identity and self love. Both strength and hope can be found in the form of the women she looks up to (her Mama and Amah), and her own little sister who looks up to her. As another Asian kid (Filipino here!), I've seen how westerners and even our own(!) poke fun at others because of eyes like these. This story is what every Asian kid should have heard when they were younger, and a story that young kids should hear now. Because maybe, learning to love and accept ourselves is our own kind of revolution, too.

"My eyes that kiss in the corners and
glow like warm tea
are a revolution.

They are Mama
and Amah
and Mei-Mei.

They are me.
And they are beautiful."


This book is just so beautiful, hands down. It might only contain 40 pages, but I swear those 40 pages are enough to empower you!

Thank you Harper Kids for sending a finished copy of this book! (This did not affect my overall opinions, of course.)

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