Belle Yang

This is a cute, hope-filled story about seeking freedom and a better life. Na-Li and her family immigrated from Taiwan to the United States where they wait for their green cards. She has to navigate her way through a different culture, school, language, and even a new name: Hannah. After months of anxiously waiting they receive their green card, and Hannah finally feels that America is home.
Writing in Hannah’s point of view was a charming touch. By doing so I feel as though we aren’t just reading about her life, we are being taken on her journey. Children also tend to be more honest with their thoughts and emotions and I think Yang really portrayed that.
I like how the time period is left anonymous until she adds the detail of Martin Luther King’s death. It also makes it a more special and genuine story knowing it is based off of the author’s early years in America in the 1960s. Yang’s rich illustrations brought all of the words and emotions to life.
This was a sincere and authentic story of hope, family, and opportunity.… (mehr)