This book is truly a gem. While looking at some of the award winning books from the past couple years this book caught my eye. It won the Newberry Award as well as the National Book Awardin 2011. I decided to check it out, and once I started reading it I couldn't stop. It is mesmerizing, emotional and incredibly beautiful. It is a story of a girl, written in the form of chronological poems. This is one of the reasons the story is so amazing; it has a rhythm and style that is very unique and captivating to read. If you like poetry you might especially love this book, but it is something that everyone can enjoy. The author uses words in a way that is simple but paints a very clear picture in your mind. It is a story of a young girl from Vietnam. It is about her life, with her mother and brothers in Saigon. It is set during the 1960's when the war is going on. Eventually the family has to flee to the United States, so they move to Alabama. The US is so different from Vietnam, being able to hear the thoughts and feelings of someone who is adjusting to life in a new place is enlightening and touching. The story takes you through the main character Ha's life. She shares her feelings on her family, traditions, host family in Alabama, the way other kids treat her at school. This is a book that is appropriate for readers middle school age and up, and I think adults will really enjoy it too. It deals with some serious issues such as war, family issues and bullying, but also has subtle humor too. Ha goes through life facing the challenges as they come, staying strong with the help of her mother and brothers. I highly recommend reading this book; it is like music to your ears, or music to your heart and mind.
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