V.T. Bidania

Recommended Ages: Gr. 1-3

Plot Summary: Astrid and Apollo's family has been planning to go to their parent's home country of Laos for a long time, but a few days before, rumors of a (worldwide) horrible storm is threatening their flights. Sure enough, their flight gets canceled and dad explains it doesn't make sense to go there if they will miss the family wedding and they won't be there as long after all that travel. The twins' parents are very disappointed so the kids, with the help of local aunts and uncles, plan to help their parents remember their favorite parts of Laos as they stay at home. Will bringing the river, poppy flowers, flip flops, and farming tools help their parents get over their disappointment?

Setting: Minnesota

Characters:
Astrid & Apollo - twins
Eliana - ~2 yo, Astrid and Apollo's little sister

Recurring Themes: vacation, family, memories, sentimental, art, painting, family, Hmong

Controversial Issues: none

Personal Thoughts: I like the overall plot, although I find it a little contrived that there is a worldwide storm. While the writing is ok, the lack of true problem and any suspense made this book very underwhelming. I appreciate the glossary and Hmong end matter.

Genre: realistic fiction

Pacing: slow, action is not very exciting, very little suspense, not a true problem
Characters: very little development
Frame: Laos words and their meanings, and a few pieces about the culture are in the back of the book
Storyline:

Activity: Use paint to create a mural, such as fists for poppies.… (mehr)

I am really excited for this new easy chapter series from Capstone's Picture Window imprint. The only thing I could be more thrilled about would be if they offered series featuring kids with disabilities, and I'm confident those will not be long in coming (there's already an easy reader featuring a Deaf girl, Emma).

Many people think of the Midwest as a very white, homogenous place and while that is certainly true in many cases, especially in small towns, there are actually large groups of ethnically diverse people concentrated in various areas. In my own corner of Wisconsin, there is a large Hispanic population, small but significant group of Japanese and Koreans (mostly exchange students - we have a Kikkoman factory) and a handful of Pakistani and Indians. Only a few hours north there is a significant presence of Americans of Hmong descent and after many years of them being largely ignored it's wonderful to see literature featuring these kids start to emerge.

The Hmong population in Minnesota is, I believe, larger and that's where this book is based, as is its own voices creator. The story starts with an introduction to Astrid, Apollo, and their parents and little sister Eliana. This includes their Hmong names, pronunciation, and translation. There's also a simple definition of Hmong.

The story is told in five chapters. The family is going camping and Astrid is scared of the dark - and of the frightening stories her older cousin has told her. Apollo initially coaxes her into coming along to join them and with the support of her family and her own courage she ends up having a great time. There are gently humorous moments, like sneaky raccoons and a stinky outhouse, and also an enjoyment of the beauties of nature and the night sky. The kids compare their Hmong names to the stars they see, eat both Hmong and "American" food, and say hello to other Hmong families who are also camping.

Back matter includes more detailed facts about the Hmong, a list and explanation of some popular Hmong foods (now I want eggrolls...), a glossary, and discussion and writing questions. There's also a thumbnail introduction to the author and illustrator, both from Minnesota and of Hmong descent.

Verdict: I have several readers who really enjoy these simple, slice-of-life stories and I am thrilled to be able to finally have books portraying this important and often overlooked ethnic group in our state.

ISBN: 9781515861317; Published 2020 by Capstone; Borrowed from another library in my consortium… (mehr)