In this story Sharon and Mary learn their parents are going to send their baby brother to China to live with his grandparents for one year. In this way he will be immersed in the Chinese culture. This decision creates many different feelings in not only the children but also in the adults. As I read this from a mother's perspective, I kept wondering how these parents could make that decision. I understand wanting them to be immersed in their culture but it would be so difficult. I did enjoy the book as it gave me a look at a different culture. I believe my students will be interested in it as we have added Chinese this year to our curriculum and they are learning a lot about the culture from our Chinese teacher who is here for this year. A sweet shorter juvenile novel about a Chinese-American family that makes the decision to send their young son back to China to live with the grandparents for a year when the mom returns to work. Their school age daughters are at first shocked at this decision, but the parents explain they want Di Di to be cared for by people who love him, his larger extended family. there is a note in the back explaining that this situation is not that uncommon for immigrant families who are working hard to get established in their new country. The year passes quickly and then they face the difficulty of Di Di's readjustment back to his family in the US.I can't really think of an easy, ready audience for this one. It is sort of serious for a shorter chapter book.
Good little story for the younger child. Will keep it for my grandson to read when ready.
—Ira
it was great the book because I never read a chapter book
—jamez
Great chapter book for kids. Love her writing style.
—bell
Interesting topic, it made me a little sad.
—npex
