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This book was selected as one of the books to read and discuss at a youth book club at our local library. We read the book together and we talked about the events as they unfolded. I'm not sure, with the story in verse, if our girls would've understood all the nuances of the tale and the book is probably better for children in middle school. Still, as we read the book together, I quizzed our girls on how they imagined Ha felt and what they thought about her experiences.
Overall, I thought this wa ...more
Overall, I thought this wa ...more

Jun 20, 2015
Lindsay
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
youngadultfiction,
childrenslit
Beautiful crossover book written in verse about a girl who immigrates from Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam war. It's a great high-low read, but would also appeal to teens interested in historical fiction. It only took the better part of an hour to read. Also a good recommendation for kids who liked the Newberry award winner "Crossover."
...more

Ha is Vietnamese ten year old, living in Saigon, until she and her family become ‘boat people,’ then go to live in Alabama. This novel, written in free verse is about the people that rescue Ha, like her neighbor Miss Washington, who is a retired teacher, who teaches the whole family better English.
“MiSSSisss WaSShington says/ if every learner waits/ to speak perfectly,/ no one would learn/ a new language.” (253)
I quite liked this middle grade/ early YA novel.
“MiSSSisss WaSShington says/ if every learner waits/ to speak perfectly,/ no one would learn/ a new language.” (253)
I quite liked this middle grade/ early YA novel.

Mar 01, 2011
Kelly
marked it as to-read

Jul 14, 2011
A
marked it as to-read

Nov 20, 2011
Robin
marked it as to-read

Dec 29, 2011
Shelly
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Jul 20, 2012
Elene
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May 03, 2016
Sue
marked it as to-read


Feb 04, 2019
Minh
marked it as in-the-queues

Oct 11, 2019
Susan
marked it as to-read

Sep 08, 2022
Kelly
marked it as to-read