Recommended Books
Grades K-3 – Vietnam
The Lotus Seed
When she is forced to leave Vietnam, a young girl brings a lotus seed with her to America in remembrance of her homeland. “Exquisite artwork fuses with a compelling narrative–a concise endnote places the story effectively within a historical context–to produce a moving and polished offering.”–Publishers Weekly
Vietnam (Postcards from)
A collection of fictional postcards, written as if by young people visiting Vietnam, describe various sights and activities in this South East Asian country
Going Home, Coming Home/Ve Nha, Tham Que Huong
Ami Chi is traveling to Vietnam, where the streets are crowded with scooters and the fruit are shaped like dragons and stars. Her parents still consider Vietnam home. But Ami Chi is confused. How can home be a place you’ve never been? She finds her answer in the green rice paddies that blanket the countryside, in the bustling Cho Lon market, and in the quiet rooms of her grandmother’s house. Vietnam may be nothing like America, but it feels strangely familiar. Before long, Ami Chi finds that you can travel very far and still find yourself at home.
Ten Mice for Tet!
It’s time for Tet! This vibrant, unique counting book introduces children to the rich traditions of the Vietnamese New Year. A playful village of mice lead young readers through the joyful celebration, as exquisitely embroidered illustrations recreate ten scenes of preparation, gift giving, feasting, and firework displays. With simple text followed by an informative afterword, Ten Mice for Tet is a joyful tribute to a special holiday.
Honors for Ten Mice for Tet!:
2004 CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center) Choices selection
Kirkus Reviews starred review
2004 Notable Books for a Global Society
Grandfather's Dream
The Vietnam war is over, and Grandfather and young Nam dream that the new dikes will restore the wetlands, bringing home the beautiful cranes that once filled the winter sky. But other villagers think that growing rice is a more practical use for the land. “This is a beautiful book with many layers of meaning and an important message. The simple illustrations…are lovely and appealing.”–School Library Journal.
Angel Child, Dragon Child (Reading Rainbow)
In this story based on a young girl’s true-life experiences, Ut, a Vietnamese child separated from her family, recounts her attempts to come to terms with a new country and a new life and to reunite her family
Toad Is the Uncle of Heaven: A Vietnamese Folktale
Toad Is the Uncle of Heaven
A Vietnamese Folk Tale
An NCSS-CBC Notable Book in the Field of Social Studies
FREEMAN AWARD Honorable Mention
My First Book of Vietnamese Words: An ABC Rhyming Book of Vietnamese Language and Culture
My First Book of Vietnamese Words is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces Vietnamese language and culture to young children through everyday words.
This Vietnamese children’s book teaches in a playful way—combining the familiar ABC rhyming structure with vivid illustrations to encourage young children’s natural language learning abilities. Words kids use every day in English are joined by words unique to Vietnamese culture to give kids a glimpse of Vietnamese life and to show how, despite cultural differences, children all over the world have a lot in common.
Linguistic and cultural notes are added to enhance the kids’ adventure in a land that’s modern yet filled with beautiful traditions.