From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
October 2026 - Graciela in the Abyss
By Kristen · 1 post · 26 views
By Kristen · 1 post · 26 views
last updated Oct 01, 2025 07:27PM
showing 5 of 5 topics
view all »
Other topics mentioning this book
June Read- Inside Out and Back Again
By Kim · 15 posts · 137 views
By Kim · 15 posts · 137 views
last updated Dec 19, 2011 08:09AM
What Members Thought
This is a book I would have assiduously avoided as a child, because it's Poems about a Significant Social Topic, and seems like the kind of thing adults would always be pushing you to read.
So I approached it somewhat suspiciously. And I went into it thinking "how much story can there be, anyway?"
I was surprised by how much story got packed in. Told over a year from Tet to Tet, 10 year old Ha and her mother and brothers decide to leave Viet Nam, get out on the last boats, and resettle in Alabama. ...more
So I approached it somewhat suspiciously. And I went into it thinking "how much story can there be, anyway?"
I was surprised by how much story got packed in. Told over a year from Tet to Tet, 10 year old Ha and her mother and brothers decide to leave Viet Nam, get out on the last boats, and resettle in Alabama. ...more
In poetry form, debut novelist Thanhha Lai retraces a young Vietnamese girl's one-year journey from from war-torn Saigon to Alabama in 1975. Ha, her mother and three older brothers leave Vietnam soon after Tet,the Year of the Cat. They can take only a few belongings but also pack hope that their father and husband, who was captured by the enemy years ago will be reunited with them.
The family boards a ship where their experiences are reminiscent of many immigrants' journeys on "ships without lig ...more
The family boards a ship where their experiences are reminiscent of many immigrants' journeys on "ships without lig ...more
"How much do we know about those around us?" If I take anything from this book with me, it will be exactly this: everyone has a story, and most of us don't take the time to learn, care and appreciate each other's journeys. Thanhha Lai pours her heart into this semi-autobiographical novel written in verse. We all have a story, we all have value, we all are worthy of respect... And most important, we all are worthy of someone taking the time and asking... This is a quick read, but it will stay wit
...more
This was a beautiful story of a young girl leaving her home with her family at the fall of Saigon and eventually making their way to Alabama. It is written in verse and it is very well done. It is amazing how much emotion and imagery can be conveyed in so few words. Newbery potential...
I loved this book of free verse about a young girl who is born in Viet Nam in the late 60's and emigrates to America in the 70's. It is a very powerful book with fairly simple language. I can see a lot of possibilities for comparing and contrasting other works to this one.
...more
Such a great portrayal of one girl's journey to America from Viet Nam after the fall of Saigon. Full of visual language and images. Don't miss this one.
...more
My first novel in verse. I don't know why that was such a hurdle. I think I had in my head that I would be wanting a narrative, a story; that I wouldn't have my attention on the poems in my current frame of mind. So, lo and behold, I have both. Perhaps a good starting point and transition into poetry and verse. I'm very pleased to have read it. It was very emotionally effective. Hà is a wonderful character that I was able to connect with and feel for and I think the story was even stronger for b
...more
mock newbery blog - beautiful free verse narrative. Great for 6th grade - Viet Nam/Alabama based on author's experiences.
...more
I love the way this was written, more like poetry than a novel. What an eye opening look at immigrants and how they need to adapt to our culture.
couldn't get into it.
...more
Oct 24, 2012
Kate Farrell
marked it as to-read
