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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? It's 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.
thediaryofanauthorintraining's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
annieb123's review against another edition
5.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Secret of the Jade Bangle is an engaging and empowering illustrated chapter book for grade school age readers by Linda Trinh and the first book in the Nguyen Kids series. Due out 18th Oct 2022 from Annick Press, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.
This is such a fun and respectfully written book which will engage, entertain, and inform young readers. Despite the action filled plot (Anne really loves ballet but just wants to not be treated differently by her ballet teacher and the other students), the author manages to delve into deeper and meaningful themes such as integration and isolation, respect for culture, honesty, integrity, dealing constructively with racism, activism, and family in an age-appropriate manner.
The art by Clayton Nguyen is expressive and colorful and is full of small details which invite readers to take a closer look and really think about the concepts being expressed.
Five stars. Representation is important for *everyone*. Highly recommended for public and school library acquisition, home library use, reading circles and similar. This is a great kids book for -all- kids whatever their ethnicity, background, or sex.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Secret of the Jade Bangle is an engaging and empowering illustrated chapter book for grade school age readers by Linda Trinh and the first book in the Nguyen Kids series. Due out 18th Oct 2022 from Annick Press, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.
This is such a fun and respectfully written book which will engage, entertain, and inform young readers. Despite the action filled plot (Anne really loves ballet but just wants to not be treated differently by her ballet teacher and the other students), the author manages to delve into deeper and meaningful themes such as integration and isolation, respect for culture, honesty, integrity, dealing constructively with racism, activism, and family in an age-appropriate manner.
The art by Clayton Nguyen is expressive and colorful and is full of small details which invite readers to take a closer look and really think about the concepts being expressed.
Five stars. Representation is important for *everyone*. Highly recommended for public and school library acquisition, home library use, reading circles and similar. This is a great kids book for -all- kids whatever their ethnicity, background, or sex.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.