  | We who produce pearls Author: Ho, Joanna | |
| Price: $24.48 | ||
Summary:
An anthem for Asian America that celebrates the richness and diversity within the Asian American identity and serves as a reminder of our self worth, our legacy and most of all, our destiny.
| Illustrator: | Phingbodhipakkiya, Amanda |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (04/15/24)
School Library Journal (+) (04/26/24)
Booklist (08/01/24)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 04/26/2024 Gr 1–5—A powerful testimony for, and tribute to, the Asian American community. The author and illustrator make it clear in their end notes that this book is intended to inspire Asian Americans as they honor the past, acknowledge multitudes of wrongdoing, and celebrate the strength and power of an incredibly diverse but connected community. Magnificent spreads evoke moments throughout history that speak to the experiences that have shaped the Asian American community and call to readers to investigate further. Guiding questions and points for further research for each spread appear in the back matter. Bold and vibrant illustrations capture the diversity of the Asian American community with pride and an unshakable belief in the power of the people that have made such a lasting impact on the country and the world. The symbolism and details are as rich and as varied as the Asian diaspora. This title belongs in libraries seeking to embrace a deeper understanding of American history and could be particularly useful for social studies and history classes in upper elementary and above as a starting point for the examination of the role of Asian Americans in the history of the U.S. VERDICT Highly recommended for all libraries as this history is too often untold and deserves such a compelling presentation as this.—John Scott - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 08/01/2024 Ho (Eyes That Kiss In the Corners, 2021) returns with another moving celebration of Asian American identity. Her lyrical prose partners with Phingbodhipakkiya's bold, stunning illustrations in a powerful, striking experience. Through verse, Ho evokes the experiences of Asian Americans throughout history, capturing pain, resilience, struggle, and beauty. Each stanza begins with a “We” statement such as “We who dream,” “We who seek,” and “We who stand in solidarity.” Through metaphors and subtle references, Ho hints at the “specific figures, events, and movements in Asia and across the Asian diaspora” that inspired this work, which she discusses in further detail in the back matter. In the Invitation to Dig Deeper and Continue Learning section of the back matter, Ho provides specific guiding questions pertaining to each stanza while also sharing historical events and figures to further explore. The back matter is an excellent classroom and learning resource. Notes from the author and illustrator add further insight and affirmation. A beautifully illustrated, layered work that encourages reflection, feeling, and unpacking. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
