The Jade Bracelet by Hà Dinh, Yong Ling Kang
ISBN: 0593711785
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
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The Jade Bracelet

Ha Dihn and Yong Ling Kang

This picture book for ages 4-8 is about a young Vietnamese girl, Tien, who receives a jade bracelet for her birthday from her mother following the death of her grandmother, Ba Ngoai. At first, Tien does not like the bracelet; she would prefer a brand-new popular sparkly bracelet like the ones worn by her classmates. Embarrassed, Tien tries to hide her simple jade bangle and then flings it to the floor after school. Rather than getting angry, her mother shows sympathy.  Tien realizes that the bracelet is not just a green rock, but rather a symbol of the spirit of Tien’s family members who have also worn them. She decides to wear her jade bracelet proudly as a reminder of her late grandmother and embrace her family’s tradition and heritage.
The Jade Bracelet is based on the author’s own experience of wanting to blend in with her peers, something to which all children can relate.

4 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay