For children navigating a new culture or finding their unique place, this story tenderly explores identity and belonging through a young immigrant's journey.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the complexities of a bicultural identity or feeling like an outsider in a new environment. Based on the author's own childhood, the story follows Hannah, a young girl whose family has immigrated from Taiwan to the United States. While she adjusts to a new school and language, her family lives with the constant anxiety of waiting for their green cards, fearing they could be sent back at any moment. The book tenderly explores themes of belonging, family love, and perseverance. For ages 7-10, it provides a gentle, personal window into the immigrant experience, helping to build empathy in all readers and offer comforting representation for children in similar situations.
Hannah experiences moments of being singled out or feeling different because of her culture.
Cultural Content GapMild
Some context on immigration terms (like 'green card') might be helpful for some readers.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the emotional stress of being undocumented. The family's fear of the INS and potential separation is a primary theme. The approach is personal and emotional, seen through a child's eyes, rather than political. The resolution is hopeful, as the family successfully obtains their green cards, providing a secure and happy ending.
Ideal Reader
An 8 or 9-year-old who is a first or second generation immigrant and is grappling with their dual identity. It is also perfect for a child who feels like an outsider for any reason and needs to see a story about finding one's place without losing a connection to family heritage.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. However, a parent should be ready to explain what "green cards" and "immigration" are in simple terms. The family's fear of being "sent back" is palpable, so a conversation about why people move to new countries and the challenges they face might be helpful to provide context and reassurance. A parent hears their child say, "Why can't we be a normal family?" or express feelings of being different from their peers at school. The child might be showing anxiety about their family's background or struggling to make friends in a new environment.
Age Experience
A younger reader (7-8) will connect most with Hannah's school life, her desire for a friend, and her love of drawing. An older reader (9-10) will better understand the weight of the family's legal situation, the parents' sacrifices, and the significance of the final interview. They will grasp the more complex themes of cultural identity and socioeconomic pressure.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many immigration stories that focus on the journey itself or a single act of prejudice, this book's uniqueness lies in its depiction of the quiet, constant stress of the waiting period. It masterfully captures the limbo of being undocumented through the everyday life of a child. Belle Yang's status as both author and illustrator, drawing from her own life, gives the book an authentic, intimate, and deeply personal quality.
Read plot summary
Hannah and her family have immigrated from Taiwan to San Francisco and are living as undocumented immigrants while they await their green cards. The story follows Hannah's daily life: starting a new school, struggling with English, making a new friend, and trying to bridge the gap between her family's culture and her new American life. The central tension is the family's constant, low-grade fear of being discovered by immigration officials and deported, which culminates in their final, nerve-wracking green card interview.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Hannah's family is very nervous about their interview for green cards. How do they show their fear? How do they also show their love and support for one another during this stressful time?
2
Hannah has two names: her Chinese name, Na-Li, and her American name, Hannah. When does she think about each name? Do you think one name feels more like 'her' than the other?
3
Art is very important to Hannah and her father. How does drawing help Hannah express her feelings and connect with her new friend, Christina?
4
At the end of the story, Hannah's father says, "Na-Li, Hannah, it doesn't matter what you are called. You will always be my daughter." What do you think he means by this?
