The Power of the Pearl Earrings
Description
A charming early chapter book series that explores Vietnamese culture and identity through the eyes of the Nguyen siblings, with elements of the supernatural, spirituality, and social justice woven in.
I touch my earrings and feel a rush of wind. I can almost hear Grandma N峄檌鈥檚 laughter through them.
Spontaneous and energetic Liz, the middle Nguyen sibling, grew up hearing stories from her Grandma N峄檌 about the fantastically fierce Trung Sisters, freedom fighters in ancient Vietnam. And with a new school year about to start, Liz is determined that her taekwondo classes will prove she is just as important and brave as the famous warriors. That is, until the new boy at school, Michael, threatens her plans by turning her best friend against her, telling her the things she can鈥檛 do because she鈥檚 a girl. Struggling with both her friendships and her place in her family, Liz finds help where she least expects it鈥攊n the pearl earrings her Grandma N峄檌 left her as a gift, reminding her of her Vietnamese heritage. Armed with the earrings鈥� mysterious power, Liz decides to show Michael exactly what girls are capable of.
Awards
- Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children鈥檚 Book Center 2023
Reviews
鈥淔ans of Mindy Kim and Junie B. Jones鈥� check this out! . . . The first book is about discovering who you are, valuing your heritage and understanding your ancestral background. It is also about standing up for your culture and standing up against racism鈥揳ll folded into a child-friendly story.鈥�
- Bedashruti Mitra Basu, Bookstagrammer @bedashrutimitrabasu