Angel child, Dragon Child by Michele Maria Surat and illustrated by Vo-Dihn Mai

Angel child, Dragon Child by Michele Maria Surat and illustrated by Vo-Dihn Mai is both beautifully written and illustrated. In this picture book, Nguyen Hoa, or Ut as her family calls her, has recently moved with her siblings and father to the United States. Ut introduces the reader to challenges she faces as she waits for her mother to join the family in the United States. Ut must adapt to differences between Vietnam and American culture: people tease her about her clothes, speak a language she is not accustomed to, respond to the teacher by waving their hands instead of chanting, and have many other unique customs. Most noteworthy, however, is the interaction Ut has with a fellow classmate. When the two get into a quarrel on the playground, the principle tells Ut to narrate the story of her family’s emigration while her classmate writes it down. This story unfolds into a remarkable tale stemming from the relationships between Ut and her classmate, other schoolmates and her family. The large pictures and bright colors add to the mood and correspond with the text.

This story absolutely works as a piece of diverse literature. The relationship between Ut and her classmate with the fiery red hair is heartwarming and touching. The boy begins the book by judging Ut’s apparel and manners. After hearing her story, and bonding with her one-on-one Ut’s classmate develops a relationship with her that is rewarding for both of them. The two model that cultural barriers can be overcome and differences can be embraced. After the story, the author presents history and background information about Vietnam. Surat based the story on an interaction she had with her Vietnamese student. The illustrator Mai, was born in Vietnam and thus, presents an insider view of Asian appearance. This book was featured and reviewed on Reading Rainbow and introduced by a little boy who said he could relate to this book having moved from Korea (episode). Angel Child Dragon Child was also recommended in “Asian Pacific American Children’s Literature: Expanding Perceptions About Who Americans Are” by Sandra S. Yamate and was reviewed in the Horn Book Magazine.

"Episode Patchwork Quilt." Reading Rainbow. 2007. PBS Kids. 2 Nov. 2008 .
Surat, Michele M., and Vo-Dihn Mai. Angel Child, Dragon Child. Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1992.
Yamate, Sandra S. "Asian Pacific American Chlidren's Literature: Expanding Percpetions About Who Americans Are." Using Multiethic Literature in the K-8 Classroom. 95-128.