Sing to the Dawn

by Minfong Ho

When she wins a scholarship competition, a young Thai village girl faces the hostility of her brother who places second and her father who feels the city school is no place for a girl.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Asian Literature, Read For School, Classics, Realistic Fiction, Childrens

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Minfong Ho is an award-winning Chinese-American writer. Her works frequently deal with the lives of people living in poverty in Southeast Asian countries.

Reviews

[Caryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a typical 14-year-old in Singapore, I've had to read Sing To The Dawn for literature this year, and, truth to be told, I've simply hated it.

Don't get me wrong, I love reading books in general, but especially love literary classics like Pride and Prejudice or Wuthering Heights.

Although Sing To The Dawn addresses some important issues, like girls not having the opportunity to study or further their studies, I personally feel that Sing To The Dawn is simply too superficial.

It addresses the issues the main character, Dawan, faces in a highly immature way, and does not seem to view things beyond the surface, which adds to my impression that the book is superficial. Even though I understand that the main character is supposed to be fighting for her rights, girls' rights, to use the scholarship to study in the big city, the way that Dawan carries herself, in manner and otherwise, only strikes me as an immature girl who is simply being selfish, and only wants to use the scholarship to deliberately spite Kwan, her brother, as her father had high hopes for him.

I must say, it was a huge disappointment when I read the book. Also, the length of the book did not help at all. Compared to great literary works like Emma and such, this book pales in comparison and is certainly a waste of time.

[Loa Hoang · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

"Misty morning
mist is lifting,
melody of trees
slowly sifting
through the gold green branches.

Dappled morning
sun is flying,
breaths of breezes
rising, dying,
brushing over the earth's brown skin.

Happy morning
my heart is singing,
arms spread wide
the dawn is bringing
its sun-glow to this land, my home."

This story is about the frustrations, hardships and political injustices of an everyday life in a village in Southeast Asia are dramatically revealed in the story of Dawan, a young Thai girl who seeks the opportunity to continue her education in a city high school by taking a special examination. But Dawan must with her brother, who also takes the test, and faces disapproval from her father, who is convinced that city life and further education are not for a girl. Dawan's determination to overcome obstacles and to prove herself, as well as others, that she is worthy of seeking the prize is an important experience for her and her father.

This is a short, simple but nice book. You should really read it!

[Sheena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like almost all Singaporean pre-teens entering secondary school, I’ve read Sing to the Dawn for Literature when I was thirteen.

It is a hopeful story of a young village girl from Thailand called Dawan, who struggles for her right to go to the city to study.

Re-reading this book again after 8 years has made me realise just how much I’ve outgrown it. I discovered little insignificant details in this book that irk me. Like how the author generously peppers the book with ‘suddenly’s or how the relationship between Dawan and her brother Kwai, one that was supposed to be tightly knitted and vital to the story, sounded fake and forced.

These tiny details somewhat distracted me from the storyline, which is beautiful and powerful, delving into topics such as gender bias and the unfair treatment of the poor.

I personally find it a pity that the story had to be so short as it could have been dug deeper into. But keeping in mind that this book was made for children and those in their early teens, this book, with all its tiny flaws, may have been perfectly written.

[Fadillah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Happy morning
my heart is singing
arms spread wide
the dawn is bringing
its sunglow to this land, my home”.
-Sing to the dawn by Minfong Ho
.
.
Why were some Singaporeans hating on this book (especially in goodreads) ? 😂. I get that you guys were forced to read this book as part of your syllabus but the book is not that bad though. I honestly would rather read SEA literature rather than reading those “old white man classics shit” syllabus but i can still appreciate what i have learned from ‘Robinson Crusoe, The Pearl, Prisoner of Zenda’ which is also has been made compulsory literature when i was in secondary school. I love this book despite its flaws and i try not to be nitpicking as this is a children book. I get that the characters in the book is not well developed (except Dawan and Kwai) and her relationship with Dawan and Kwai somewhat feel forced rather than genuine at some part but the lessons from the book is pretty progressive considering the year it was published. Minfong Ho touched on the aspect of education for all on the time that boys/men were being sent to school over girls/women as poor family has to choose since they dont have enough money. She also discussed class differences and landlords exploitation over farmers in the rural area when Dawan’s teacher discuss it in the class. He wanted all of them to try to think on how to change this unfair system. We saw ‘Misogyny’ was openly displayed as Dawan’s father stated that he didn’t see any point of her daughter getting the scholarship as what he wanted for his son to get. He undermined Dawan’s brilliance and perseverance just because she’s a girl. Reading this after another Southeast Asian Novel would definitely pointed out that how lacking it is in terms of presenting a Thai culture - except for the beginning of the book whereby the poems in Thai Language, the rest of story could be anywhere in SEA countries - as it mentioned rice, paddy fields and farmers (we southeast asian love rice and produced almost 30% of the world rice harvest). Overall, a short and easy to read book. I finished this in one sitting.

[Vincent]

Must have read it a thousand times as a kid. Innocently beautiful, it even inspired me to adapt its literary style during an essay competition and led me to my first win! It's a must read for those who want to be enchanted by Asian culture, and revive a heart grown cold towards family issues.

[Gasle Saeed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young girl from farmer family, in which she won the scholarship of the village school. She is struggling with her brother, he need to go into the scholarship because he says she is girl and she must stays home and help the family...

[Jayasri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a book I would normally choose to read but it was something I enjoyed reading with my students. Had a discussion today about the book in class. Many admitted that they were not thrilled to read it at first but after getting into the story and discussing it, we started to enjoy the story and follow Dawan's struggles and need to be heard and to have a chance to make a name for herself. Even was left feeling teary at some parts. I think I mostly enjoyed it because I could discuss the book with my students which made the experience of reading it all the more enriching! :)

[Jianing · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very interesting as we see how a girl, Dawan who seeks the opportunity to continue her education by taking a test. But she had to compete with her brother who also took the test. In the end, she got the highest for the test and got the chance to furthur her studies but she faces the disapproval of her father as he thought that furthur education and schooling are only for boys, not for girls. I think that more should read this book as it really is a good book to read(:

[WYKW · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story tells about a village girl's struggle to claim her right to further her studies in the city. She is up against her brother who will assume the bursary if she does not take up the offer. Her father pressures her to give up the offer just because she is a girl, and a girl's place in society is in the kitchen at home.

[Dhana Latchmi Mahesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in 1996 or 1997 back in my secondary school (Queensway secondary in Singapore) for my English Literature class. I still remember the struggle the female protagonist went through to pursue her education. Nostalgic.

[Syahida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone has goals to achieve in their lives. Same goes with me but not to this young thai girl who has to face many challenges and obstacles before that. One kind of book, Sing to the dawn is about the frustrations, hardships and political injustices of an everyday life in a village. Dawan, a young Thai girl who got the opportunity to continue her study in a city high school by taking a special examination. But she had to compete with Kwai , her younger brother who also takes the test and faces disapproval from her father, who is convinced that city life and further education are not for a girl. It was very unfair system that girls must stay at home and let the boys got the education. I loved the character of Dawan who are very courageous and determined to further her study even she must faced all the obstacles but she still with her goal. The author Mingfong Ho who winning the S.E.A. WRITE AWARD 1996. Ho originally published this book on 1975. This story also debuted Singapore's first English animated film opens on 30 October. The film is a co-production between Infinite Frameworks, Media Development Authority of Singapore and MediaCorp Raintree Pictures. This book may not be for everyone, but I will always recommend this one for making an inspirational for us as a teenagers that seek for motivation. The magic of the book is in the way it is written . It’s told us about the important of education for everyone , family , courageous and achievements of a young determined girl.

[Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sing to the Dawn is an animated film about Dawan, a girl who lives in a small village in Southeast Asia. She fights for her right to basic education to see more of the world beyong her small town and escape the boundaries of the traditional village. Sing to the Dawn is a short story by the American author Minfong Ho and originally published on 1975. This story also debuted Singapore's first English animated film opens on 30 October. The film is a co-production between Infinite Frameworks, Media Development Authority of Singapore and MediaCorp Raintree Pictures. It is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Minfong Ho. However, he told CNA at the preview that the film and the book cannot be compared. Next, the film is very Asian. From shadow puppets to the bridge (that is based on a real bridge in Indonesia) and Kai’s (Dawan’s brother) obsession with Kung-Fu. Kudos to the Art Director for the beautiful countryside sceneries. Why name it Sing to the Dawn if the only main references to the book are the character names, Dawan’s fighting spirit and the iconic bridge? Was it just for publicity since it would be associated with Minfong Ho’s acclaimed novel? The film ended with Dawan singing on the bridge and Lek (the boy she likes) turns up behind her and they hold hands. It is sounds like a Disney ending for me.

[Danesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sing to the Dawn by Minfong Ho, Kwoncjan Ho (Illustrator)

This was a simple book to read. I did it in one sitting. Personally, I think it could have done with some editing (superfluous words, some cropping) but that’s my personal opinion. But it was definitely readable. Which is a good thing.

The book hasn’t got great reviews all around. But considering it was first published in 1975, and set in Thailand, it was making an important statement about gender inequality. I was more forgiving and based my review on the ideas presented (for the time) rather than for its literary merits.

This book was used in late primary or early secondary literature classes in Singapore. e class as her younger brother (why I don’t know), Kwai. The top student will obtain a scholarship to study in the city. Dawan comes up tops with Kwai a close second. But Dawan is a girl.

This causes all sorts of problems. I won’t say more because spoilers will start creeping in. But you can guess what the problems may be (context: rural Thailand, 1975).

This book was (is?) used in early secondary literature classes in Singapore.

You can read more about the author here:

http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedi...

[Zaim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel tells the story of a village girl named Dawan who has the desire to continue studying in the capital. Dawan is a smart student. However, he faced many obstacles to get a scholarship to continue studying in the capital. Among them, he had to compete with his own younger brother, Kwai, to get a scholarship. In addition, her own father did not allow Dawan to continue her studies, because her father's view of women was low, even if only highly educated but in the end she would be at home as well. Some also argue that there is a big risk if a girl is in the city. But, with her attitude of desire being too high, she did not lose heart to continue her struggle. In addition, Dawan's grandmother was also far-sighted and she suggested to go to the city so that she could prove to the people of this village that there are also women who are highly educated. So with that Dawan's father allowed Dawan to go to the capital. Dawan's desire to go to the capital was also fulfilled after many challenges he faced before.

[Enzo Lee]

I have absolutely enjoyed reading this book.
If you have read this book, you will go on a journey with a Thai girl called Dawan, who gets first place in an exam and get a scholarship. Her brother, Kwai, got second place and is now very envious of her. As you continue, her father and other family members disapprove of her going overseas as they thought that a young girl like her doesn't need further schooling.and told her that she should give the place to her brother. After facing many obstacles and with her determination, she finally got the approval and goes overseas.
I really like this story as it teaches us two things. Number one, with determination and not giving up, we can get soar into greater heights. Number two, gender doesn't matter, as long as you have a heart for learning, anything is possible.

[Hut · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about a girl name "Dawan" from the countryside of Thailand winning a scholarship to the cities. Her dad was expecting his son "Kwai" to win the scholarship but instead Dawan won, Kwai was the second place. This story is about Dawan convincing his Dad to allow her to go to the city because she deserved the victory. At first his brother disagreed and in the end his character changed and together convincing their dad. While her dad was strict but in the end he finally gave up because both of convinced him. He told Dawan to work hard and use what she learn to improve her village.

[Lishi Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book that was meant to be read for literature at school, this novel could have been a lot worse. I was pleasantly surprised at quality of writing in this book. I loved that the author did not antagonize Kwai and showcased the envy between the two siblings that is common in reality. It made the human relationships ( which was the novel's strongest suit ) feel more real and relatable. The ending felt somewhat forced, but that's to be expected from such a short novel. All in all, not a bad way to spend 10 minutes in a boring class.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful albeit short story about a young Thai girl who wins a scholarship but must compete with her brother to take it and pursue study.

I loved the story and the messages and particularly the character Bao. It was refreshingly short and could be knocked out in one sitting.

I wish it had delved into things a little more or offered a less superficial view of some things but appreciate that it is a short book and aimed at younger people.

I would love a book covering the same events but from the perspective of the brother.

[Prasatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being accessible to younger readers, Sing to the Dawn doesn't dumb important ideas down. For instance, the idea that gender discrimination shackles women to positions of subservience and inferiority is tackled with sensitivity. At the same time, we see that the perpetrators and victims of such discriminatory practices are not one-dimensional monsters. Refusing to indulge in demonization, Ho does well to help her readers grapple with the complexities of actions and their consequences.

[Clarissa Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

During my school days, some schools used this book as a literature text, mine didn't. I finally grabbed hold of one passed down copy to read, and understand why this book can be chosen as a literature text. The descriptions are clear in comparison as well as give a clear image of what was going on, like scenes in a movie. The book is thin and easy to finish in one concentrated reading. It probably touches strings of hearts of lots of girls who are facing gender inequality in society and family.

[Finna Margaretha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sing to the Dawn was the first literature that I read for a subject in university. I've never read Mrs. Ho's writing before; therefore, I could say I enjoyed it very much. I could relate to Dawan's situation when she braced herself to fight for her dream. I think this literature is suitable for every child who faces a similar situation. As we know, a lot of women still couldn't get proper education access. Thank you, Mrs. Ho, for making an inspirational book for us.

[Snowdrop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book as my Literature textbook back in secondary school and I remember liking it so much. I unearth the book recently and thought I would reread it again. I saw new meanings while rereading it and it made me cry. The beauty of this is not just in the prose. It's so much deeper for me now, especially when I know of people in Southeast Asia who still can't go to school because the family has no money and the country is too big to enforce parents to send their girls to school.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heartwarming and beautiful book. Really glad that it's in the Malaysian syllabus for English Lit. I feel that it's important to expose Malaysians to well-written Asian literature instead of typical Western literature. Especially one that discusses important issues such as women's rights and social injustices.

[Hut · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like how this book has a debate about sexism. Dawan a countryside girl did a test for a scholar expecting her brother to win the scholarship, but instead she won it. I like how first Kwai really disagree but in the end Kwai agrees and convinces his dad. Dad was really serious from the beginning to the end. But they both convinced so the dad gave up.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thailand-a young adult book telling a story of a village girl who wins a scholarship for school over the boys in her class.

[Amilam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Somehow even worse than Clay Marble. As much as I like the deeper message, Minfong Ho's skills as a writer are completely inadequate.

[Atena | آتنا · Rating 2 out of 5]

درست مثل اینه که آدم فکر کنه گنجشکی که توی قفسه نمی تونه پرواز کنه.در این صورت هیچ وقت در قفسو باز نمی کنه که ببینه واقعا می تونه یا نه.

[Chea Yieushen · Rating 4 out of 5]

123

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a lot as a kid. Quite an absorbing portrayal of life in the village.

[BTSARMY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book