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jkorth's review against another edition
3.0
A shorter book that I teach in school. Obviously geared for a younger audience, but it has some quiet poignant moments. A tale of the hardships of a young girl forced into refugee status because of the Vietnam War, this book reminds us how to stay strong in the face of adversity and to remember that everyone is fighting unknown inner battles.
thekissballad's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
I had to skip giving a star rating because I don't think an audiobook is the best format to consume this touching story. Not that Doan Ly wasn't great, just that the verse / diary-like format doesn't work well for me, and it made me dislike the book, despite enjoying how moving and reflective the story actually is.
helensadler55's review against another edition
5.0
A narrative in verse based on the author's real experience of being a refugee from Vietnam in 1975. This is a story full of emotion and realities of the life of those who flee to a new land for a better life. It is a story worth telling and hearing. Loved it.
traci_k_wallace's review against another edition
4.0
had to read this with my students. it gave us very good content and brought up a lot of interesting and provoking conversations. loved it.
hmn's review against another edition
5.0
Heart wrenching in its hope, frustration, and verse. I'll never be able to eat a papaya without thinking of this book, see a sailor's uniform without feeling the ache for family, listen to the laugh of ha-ha without my blood boiling, and experience the roar of a motorcycle with the absolute confidence in my family's ability to love and protect me.
laurafs325's review against another edition
3.0
For the first time I listened to a book that would have been better read. The story was good, but the narration was distracting.
rebecca_oneil's review against another edition
4.0
When a kids' novel in verse leaves you with tears running down your cheeks. This was so simple but so powerful -- the fleeing of Vietnam for America as Saigon falls in 1975, from the POV of a 10-year-old girl. Each poem is dated, except those about her mother (raising 4 kids alone) or father (missing for 9 years), which are signed off "Every day." Details like that really got me in the heart. Recommended for anyone needing empathy for the immigrant/refugee experience. Pair with the same author's "Listen, Slowly" for a view of a second generation immigrant.