Reviews

Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho

alivaster's review

5.0

Beautiful art, beautiful story. I wish this existed when I was younger.

jtalvi's review

inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

jojodoug55's review

2.0

I love what Ho stands for in her writing: racial, cultural and gender equity. I love her lyrical prose and maturity of thought and voice in her writing. The illustrations that accompany all this are gorgeous! Unfortunately, the allegory of "eyes that speak to the stars" is not adequately introduced, so the story that unfolds does not make complete sense, and at times comes across as random, without transition. It is clear that its aim is to provide children like the protagonist a sense of pride to be who they are individually, racially, genetically, culturally, historically, etc. However, due to this oversight it does not deliver how it should. A simple addition that relates the shape of the protagonist's eyes to the sky would have been sufficient. A good example can be seen in the blurb of Eva Chen's "I Am Golden": "We see eyes that point toward the sun[...]". This continues with a series of metaphors that speak positively to the allegory of the book: "We see eyes that point toward the sun, that give us the warmth and joy of a thousand rays when you smile. We see hair as inky black and smooth as a peaceful night sky. We see skin brushed with gold." Had there been inclusion of just one more sentence, or even a phrase, similar to the one that Chen wrote to introduce the allegory, then there would have been a more clear and effective threading of the beautiful ideas that fill "Eyes That Speak to the Stars."

a_little_teacup's review

This book is beautiful. It makes no sense, but it's beautiful. 

kiralovesreading's review

adventurous inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

bailsofbooks's review

hopeful inspiring

notblue's review against another edition

5.0

I actually love the representation in this one too. great companion to the first

5/5

adelita18's review

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

"Eyes that Speak to the Stars" is a beautifully written book with gorgeous artwork. Ms. Ho does a wonderful job in showing how the main character turns a hurtful experience with a classmate's drawing into loving his appearance, recognizing the strength in his family, the power each of them hold, and their ability to change the world around them. 

carolineinthelibrary's review

5.0

Joanna Ho has written another beautiful story to show young Asian-American children how beautiful they are. I love these stories that instill confidence in kids, encouraging them to embrace every part of them, but especially the ones that people use to make them feel different. If you liked Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, this is an equally meaningful story.

thebookandteacup's review

hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0