The Words We Share
by Jack Wong (Author)
"Beautifully written and illustrated. . . . I am so glad this book exists in the world."--Bao Phi, author of the Caldecott Honor and Zolotow Award-winning A Different Pond
A young girl helps her dad navigate life in a new country where she understands the language more than he does, in an unforgettable story about communication and community.
Angie is used to helping her dad. Ever since they moved to Canada, he relies on her to translate for him from English to Chinese. Angie is happy to help: when they go to restaurants, at the grocery store, and, one day, when her dad needs help writing some signs for his work.
Building off her success with her dad's signs, Angie offers her translation skills to others in their community. She's thrilled when her new business takes off, until one of her clients says he's unhappy with her work. When her dad offers to help, she can't imagine how he could. Working together, they find a surprising solution, fixing the problem in a way Angie never would have predicted.
A gorgeously illustrated picture book from up-and-coming author-illustrator Jack Wong (When You Can Swim, Scholastic) that is at once a much-needed exploration of the unique pressures children of immigrants often face, a meditation on the dignity of all people regardless of their differences, and a reminder of the power of empathy.
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School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2--When Angie and her dad arrive in Canada, they know very little English. She learns a lot in school, though, and helps her dad translate grocery store items and restaurant menus, and creates signs for his work as a janitor. Inspired by this experience, Angie decides to extend her help to community members by making signs in English for their businesses. However, when her signage for the laundromat doesn't yield the expected results, it's her father who comes to the rescue, bridging the gap between Hakka and Cantonese languages. Through vibrant cartoon-style illustrations and bilingual narrative, the author beautifully captures a tale of community solidarity and the unifying power of language. This heartwarming story highlights the collaborative efforts of an immigrant family striving for success. The book concludes with a thoughtful note explaining how Hakka and Cantonese differ and shedding light on the diverse linguistic styles within the Chinese language. VERDICT A must-buy for every library.--Kirsten Caldwell
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JACK WONG is based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver, Jack creates stories indelibly marked by a first-generation Asian Canadian experience.
JUV039250 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emigration & Immigration
JUV011020 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Asian American
JUV074000 - Juvenile Fiction | Diversity & Multicultural
Picture books
Families
Family life
Fathers and daughters
Emigration and immigration
Canada
Interpersonal communication
Translating and interpreting
