Michele Maria Surat

I chose this book because of the Vietnamese population in New Orleans. There are many students and families that can identify with the journey, but countless more that will better understand what it's like to enter a new place with new languages and customs. Ut travels to American and begins school, but her mother remains in Vietnam. She dearly misses and her contends with social challenges at school. Ut's clothing is unusual and children laugh at her "pajamas." She is learning English and the text helps the reader to understand the challenges of a new language with quotations. Eventually Ut works with her primary tormentor, Raymond and they learn about one another. Raymond becomes very interested in her and she understands more about Raymond. Surprising perhaps even himself, Raymond helps her in an enormous way, sending a message about talking, overcoming differences, and working together to share experiences and grow community. It would be a wonderful story for the beginning or middle of the year when students are stretching and straining to develop socially.… (more)

Immediately I was struck by the illustrations with the soft edges and detailed faces as well as words being intertwined within the drawing. The story itself, in the beginning, makes one want to reach out and hug the young girl while at the same time giving an evil glare to the children that are making fun of her! However it turns around when Ut and Raymond are able to settle their differences by learning about one another. This book messages the importance of learning about and embracing those that are different from yourself. So often are families torn apart by circumstance and this story shows the pain and desperation that can come to children that are left without a parent. A beautiful and striking tale.… (more)