A Piece of Home (HB)

Author(s): Jeri Watts

Childrens

A child-friendly story about the trials and triumphs of starting over in a new place while keeping family and traditions close. When Hee Jun's family moves from Korea to West Virginia, he struggles to adjust to his new home. His eyes are not big and round like his classmates, and he can't understand anything the teacher says, even when she speaks s-l-o-w-l-y and loudly at him. As he lies in bed at night, the sky seems smaller and darker. But little by little Hee Jun begins to learn English words and make friends in the playground. One day he is invited to a classmate's house, where he sees a flower he knows from his garden in Korea. It is "mugunghwa, " or rose of Sharon, as his friend tells him and Hee Jun is happy to bring a shoot to his grandmother to plant a "piece of home" in their new garden.


Lyrical prose and lovely illustrations combine in a gentle, realistic story about finding connections in an unfamiliar world."

24.99 AUD

Stock: 0


Add to Wishlist


Product Information

This gentle, compassionate immigration narrative shows the difficulties of adapting to a new culture. Unlike most picture books on the subject, its setting is contemporary and its intergenerational story reflects the struggles of several family members. Scenes in Korea are written in past tense, but once the setting shifts to America, present tense adds immediacy to the simply worded, effective storytelling. Yum, a Korean artist who moved to America, contributes sensitive and expressive watercolor illustrations. A perceptive portrayal of an important American experience. Booklist (starred review) Closely observed and greatly moving, Watts s ("Kizzy Ann Stamps") story is a useful springboard for discussions about difference and tolerance. Publishers Weekly (starred review) Moving from Korea to West Virginia, a young boy leaves the familiar behind...Watts' clear storytelling successfully conveys Hee Jun's emotional journey to readers, and Yum's emotive illustrations sensitively complement the text. Immigrant children will relate to the head-spinning switch from ordinary to different, and their classmates might better understand the emotional impact of moving to a foreign land. Kirkus Reviews"

General Fields

  • : 9780763669713
  • : Candlewick Press
  • : Candlewick Press
  • : 0.567
  • : 31 May 2016
  • : .37 Inches X 8.81 Inches X 10.56 Inches
  • : United States
  • : 01 June 2016
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : 32
  • : Hardback
  • : Jeri Watts