Review by Booklist Review
Ho (Eyes That Kiss In the Corners, 2021) returns with another moving celebration of Asian American identity. Her lyrical prose partners with Phingbodhipakkiya's bold, stunning illustrations in a powerful, striking experience. Through verse, Ho evokes the experiences of Asian Americans throughout history, capturing pain, resilience, struggle, and beauty. Each stanza begins with a "We" statement such as "We who dream," "We who seek," and "We who stand in solidarity." Through metaphors and subtle references, Ho hints at the "specific figures, events, and movements in Asia and across the Asian diaspora" that inspired this work, which she discusses in further detail in the back matter. In the Invitation to Dig Deeper and Continue Learning section of the back matter, Ho provides specific guiding questions pertaining to each stanza while also sharing historical events and figures to further explore. The back matter is an excellent classroom and learning resource. Notes from the author and illustrator add further insight and affirmation. A beautifully illustrated, layered work that encourages reflection, feeling, and unpacking.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Bold, pop art--style graphics and lyrical phrasing distinguish this powerful picture book "inspired by specific figures, events, and movements in Asia and across the Asian diaspora," per an end note. Throughout, "we" statements ("We who dream... seek... cultivate") hint at a rich history described more granularly in dynamic lines and thorough back matter ("We who persist," for example, reflects on themes of empire and colonization). In reiterative, thoughtful text, Ho builds to the meaningful idea that "we... hold injustice in our mouths... and spit it out." Phingbodhipakkiya's crisp, bright-hued digital images possess a rich intensity, showing dozens of portraits depicted with various skin tones amid stylized bursts of flora, landscapes, and natural elements. In-depth back matter, including guided questions, starting points, and creators' notes, concludes. Ages 4--8. (Apr.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners (2021) author Ho reflects on Asian American history. "We who dream / mark time by the moon, / a heavenly body containing multitudes, whose many faces mirror our own." Writing in verse, Ho notes the diversity of the Asian American community. She alludes to the many reasons that people took the risk of immigrating to America: the wounds of colonization, unfair labor practices, and dreams of opportunities. Affirming that the Asian experience is an integral part of U.S. history, she acknowledges the oppression that Asian Americans have endured, but, she stresses, "We are not our pain." "We who prosper / hold injustice / in our mouths, / encircle it with tenacity / and audacity, / roll it around on our tongues… // and spit it out." The resulting pearl is a potent metaphor for Asian Americans' ability to create beauty and meaning out of sorrow. Despite the picture-book format, this work is better suited for older readers. Laced with references to historical figures, movements, and events, Ho's rich, mesmerizing text begs to be discussed; educators will appreciate the detailed backmatter, which unpacks each stanza, offering historical context and guiding questions. Ho's verse is brought to vivid life by Phingbodhipakkiya's arresting, vibrant images of people set against backdrops teeming with traditional cultural motifs. Striking and defiant: an unabashed declaration of hope. (author's and illustrator's notes) (Informational picture book. 7-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
