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tehmegan's review against another edition
5.0
Touching
This story makes you better understand what the life of a refugee is like..and how cruel kids are. Definitely worth the read.
This story makes you better understand what the life of a refugee is like..and how cruel kids are. Definitely worth the read.
cgdugger's review against another edition
4.0
Ha is a ten year old girl living in Vietnam during World War II. Her father who was in the air force has been missing for almost ten years. When opportunity strikes Ha, her mother and three brothers leave Vietnam on a crowded boat and eventually make it to Alabama. They are sponsored by a cowboy who helps them find housing and jobs. Ha is forced into school in the United States where she struggles. Despite being smart, she is shamelessly made fun of because of the language barrier. Through their time in America, Ha and her family adapt and make friends.
I really enjoyed this book. It was good to see a more personal example of a person who went through the Vietnam war on the Vietnam side. Though it wasn't nonfiction, it seemed very accurate and relatable. Many children don't understand when learning about war, even children who experience it don't completely understand. Just like Ha, people are forced to change and adapt to difficult circumstances.
I really enjoyed this book. It was good to see a more personal example of a person who went through the Vietnam war on the Vietnam side. Though it wasn't nonfiction, it seemed very accurate and relatable. Many children don't understand when learning about war, even children who experience it don't completely understand. Just like Ha, people are forced to change and adapt to difficult circumstances.
ewhaverkamp's review against another edition
5.0
Brillant. Simple and poinant. I picked up this book as I was shelving books between classes. I opened it up and read the first chapter. Needless to say I left the rest of the books out and I just finished the book at home. Reading this book coordinates with hearing a refugee from Rowanda talking at church. Very touching story for anyone fourth grade or older.
lratkinson's review against another edition
5.0
You can tell that this story was written by someone in the know; excellent!
alongapath's review against another edition
4.0
In this short, easy-to-read collection of poems, 10 year old Ha recounts one year of upheaval in her life as she is forced to leave Saigon upon the invasion of North Vietnam. She and her family escape on an over-crowded navy ship one day before the fall of Saigon and they take shelter at the US naval base on Guam. Eventually, her family of five arrive in the US as refugees and are taken in by a generous sponsor in Alabama where they finally settle, find jobs and go to school. The one-year transition is unbelievably difficult and painful for young Ha, as she experiences the true loss of her father, the American hatred of the Vietnamese, the violence and bullying from being different from others and the feeling of stupidity as she struggles to get a basic understanding of English. But she also learns to admire the strength and calm of her mother, develops friends and allies and is able to look past the torturous present towards a hopeful future.
I was struck to the point of tears with Ha's acceptance of the changes, by the depth that hateful actions had on her and by the generosity of neighbours. This is a book that makes you reflect on your own charmed life and wonder if you have done enough for those who have had to give up everything in order to live one more day.
I was struck to the point of tears with Ha's acceptance of the changes, by the depth that hateful actions had on her and by the generosity of neighbours. This is a book that makes you reflect on your own charmed life and wonder if you have done enough for those who have had to give up everything in order to live one more day.
andigraham's review against another edition
4.0
Well done, beautifully written. I only wish there was a little more of Ha's story in Saigon...
onthemiddleshelf's review against another edition
3.0
Good personal account of the end of the Vietnam war from a child whose family fled Vietnam and landed in Alabama.
kally_'s review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-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? Yes
5.0