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smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
This second book in the Nguyen kids middle grade easy reader series features the middle sibling, Liz, who gets inspired by her Grandmother Noi's pearl earrings to help prove that girls are just as capable as boys at 'non-traditional' roles/sports/activities. Good on audio with a great cast of diverse characters/Vietnamese history and an important message about gender equity.
alohabooksandbujos's review
5.0
Linda Trinh does it again! A beautiful early chapter book that showcases another set of tough topics. This book focuses on gender stereotypes, kindness, and friendship.
Liz is the middle Nguyen sibling and faces criticism and exclusion based on her being a girl. Having to tackle these barriers in an appropriate manner without also putting others down, Liz showcases experiences many children will face growing up.
Liz is the middle Nguyen sibling and faces criticism and exclusion based on her being a girl. Having to tackle these barriers in an appropriate manner without also putting others down, Liz showcases experiences many children will face growing up.
angiew23's review
5.0
This early chapter book is part of a 3 book series, all coming out in 2022 and 2023. Each of the three books focuses on a child in the Nguyen family who receives a magical item from their grandmother. In this story, Liz, the middle child, receives a pearl earrings. The books are written by a Vietnamese-Canadian from Winnipeg (where I live!) who understands the challenges young children may face growing up as part of a minority culture in Canada. The books tackle issues like microaggressions, stereotypes and racism as well as exploration of one's identity, in a way that is accessible and relatable for young readers.
As an early chapter book, this novel contains 13 chapters, with about 7 pages per chapter. There are full page pictures, usually at least 1 per chapter, as well as a few partial page pictures along with text. Full pages of text are in an accessible size of font, with about 100 words per page. As a grade 3 teacher, I would recommend this book to children in grades 2-5, with a target audience probably being about Grade 3. I could definitely see my students reading this book and would definitely recommend it to other teachers in my grade range. I love that the characters are Vietnamese and that the issues approached in this series are common for IBPOC children. It is important for children to see themselves in the books they are reading, and going further to address issues related to racism is even more valuable. Additionally, being written by a Canadian author and set in Winnipeg, this is also a great opportunity for Canadian families and teachers to support a local author. I will definitely be buying a set of this series for my classroom once they are officially published! Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!
As an early chapter book, this novel contains 13 chapters, with about 7 pages per chapter. There are full page pictures, usually at least 1 per chapter, as well as a few partial page pictures along with text. Full pages of text are in an accessible size of font, with about 100 words per page. As a grade 3 teacher, I would recommend this book to children in grades 2-5, with a target audience probably being about Grade 3. I could definitely see my students reading this book and would definitely recommend it to other teachers in my grade range. I love that the characters are Vietnamese and that the issues approached in this series are common for IBPOC children. It is important for children to see themselves in the books they are reading, and going further to address issues related to racism is even more valuable. Additionally, being written by a Canadian author and set in Winnipeg, this is also a great opportunity for Canadian families and teachers to support a local author. I will definitely be buying a set of this series for my classroom once they are officially published! Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!
thediaryofanauthorintraining's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism
annieb123's review
5.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Power of the Pearl Earrings is an engaging and empowering illustrated chapter book for grade school age readers by Linda Trinh and is the second book in the Nguyen Kids series. Due out 18th Oct 2022 from Annick Press, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.
This is such a fun and respectfully written book which will engage, entertain, and inform young readers. Despite the action filled plot (protagonist Liz really wants to do martial arts instead of ballet), the author manages to delve into deeper and meaningful themes such as integration and isolation, respect for culture, honesty, integrity, dealing constructively with potentially unwitting racism, activism, and family in an age-appropriate manner.
The art by Clayton Nguyen is expressive and colorful and is full of small details which invite a closer look.
Five stars. Representation is important for *everyone*. Highly recommended for public and school library acquisition, home library use, reading circles and similar.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Power of the Pearl Earrings is an engaging and empowering illustrated chapter book for grade school age readers by Linda Trinh and is the second book in the Nguyen Kids series. Due out 18th Oct 2022 from Annick Press, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.
This is such a fun and respectfully written book which will engage, entertain, and inform young readers. Despite the action filled plot (protagonist Liz really wants to do martial arts instead of ballet), the author manages to delve into deeper and meaningful themes such as integration and isolation, respect for culture, honesty, integrity, dealing constructively with potentially unwitting racism, activism, and family in an age-appropriate manner.
The art by Clayton Nguyen is expressive and colorful and is full of small details which invite a closer look.
Five stars. Representation is important for *everyone*. Highly recommended for public and school library acquisition, home library use, reading circles and similar.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
missmeganmann's review
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
This was great! I loved it. I think it’s so fantastic to focus on the dynamics of the boys versus girls in terms of friendship and strength and gender norms. I also really loved the cultural tie in with the warriors. I’m excited to read the next one!
kindredbooks's review
4.0
I received a copy of The Power of the Pearl Earrings by Linda Trinh and illustrated by Clayton Nguyen from Annick Press in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the first book of this early chapter book series The Nguyen Kids and was so pleased when Annick Press granted my request for a copy of The Power of the Pearl Earrings. This story follows the second sibling, Liz, and her special gift from her Grandma - pearl earrings. Liz and her best friend take Taekwondo classes together - something that Liz truly enjoys as she admires the Trung sisters who were freedom fighters in ancient Vietnam. When a new boy arrives in her class at school, she is eager to make new friends with Michael, but he seems rather keen to leave her out of things. Before she knows it, Liz finds herself on the outside of things - being told that she is interested in things meant for boys, and even finding that her best friend is more interested in the new kid than her. Liz finds strength and power in the pearl earrings - and the stories that she's always loved - to stay true to who she is as a person, even as she discovers that not everyone else is doing the same.
Just as with the first book, I adored reading this book. Liz is such a feisty and adorable character that I know readers will connect and resonate with. Her story is one of integrity and the ways in which friendships can change and strengthen through trials that come with growing up.
I really enjoyed the first book of this early chapter book series The Nguyen Kids and was so pleased when Annick Press granted my request for a copy of The Power of the Pearl Earrings. This story follows the second sibling, Liz, and her special gift from her Grandma - pearl earrings. Liz and her best friend take Taekwondo classes together - something that Liz truly enjoys as she admires the Trung sisters who were freedom fighters in ancient Vietnam. When a new boy arrives in her class at school, she is eager to make new friends with Michael, but he seems rather keen to leave her out of things. Before she knows it, Liz finds herself on the outside of things - being told that she is interested in things meant for boys, and even finding that her best friend is more interested in the new kid than her. Liz finds strength and power in the pearl earrings - and the stories that she's always loved - to stay true to who she is as a person, even as she discovers that not everyone else is doing the same.
Just as with the first book, I adored reading this book. Liz is such a feisty and adorable character that I know readers will connect and resonate with. Her story is one of integrity and the ways in which friendships can change and strengthen through trials that come with growing up.
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