By Elisa Stad and Illustrated by Ry Menson
What an honest reflection on some very big feelings!
In this brightly illustrated picture book, a young girl (Jade) struggles with her relationship with her mother, her family background, and ultimately her own identity. Jade wants to be more “American” and is sad her mother doesn’t show love in this same way as others in her class. She speaks fondly of her father, who is American, but is conflicted about her feelings towards her mother (who is Chinese).
Ultimately, Jade gains a greater understanding of who her mother is, and why she acts the way she does. She does truly love her daughter, and just shows it in different ways. The story uses food as an illustration for the care and love her mother demonstrates, and what a comfort that can be.
I think this book speaks very truthfully and candidly about feelings that children might have- especially if they come from immigrant parents, and have those feelings of being “different” from others. The honesty in this story is refreshing, and I know it would open up great conversations and show a side of this experience that maybe not everyone knows or understands.
Check out my next blog post, for the author interview!