The Lotus Seed

This story is very touching. Teaches culter and honor.

As I look at this book through the eyes or ears of a child, I could easily become baffled about what this book is about. In order to understand the meaning behind the text, I would have to know more than I am given by the author. I would have to know about the Chinese culture in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, who Emperor's were and what were their powers, and what events led to the end of the Emperor's reign. Further, I would have to know what a lotus is and why it is so magical. With all of that safely in my mind, I could then begin to read a very quiet, spare, and thoughtful book about another time and another place. A book that could be called historical fiction, but is so much more than that sterile label.I highly recommend this book but only if you do some prep work before opening the cover.

I use this book as part of my curriculum to teach comprehension strategies. This book works well for questioning before, during, and after the story. There is an authors note that will help answer some of the generated questions. The story of a young woman having to leave vietnam when war breaks out would also go nicely with a social studies unit on immigration. Using this book helps to build a multi cultural classroom. I sometimes have Vietnamese students who's families have a similar story. Its nice for children to see themselves represented in books.

Great story lovely drawings!

A magnificent children's book that sums up the Vietnamese 20th century experience. I'm going to read this to my so so he understands where he comes from.

Great for teaching about refugee experiences

What a nice book for our children in the elementary school, for teachers to read to them. thanks so much for finding me such a nice copy of this book.

Excellent text! Used to model inference skills with my students (grade 4) , also good for introducing immigration