At first glance, A Different Pond by Bao Phi and illustrated by Thi Bui doesn't seem much to look at. You may not be incredibly tempted to grab this book off the shelf b/c of the title or the cover. I know, I wasn't tempted until after it won a Caldecott Honor.
However, A Different Pond, is a fabulous book! The story is a sweet story about the author growing up and going fishing with his father in Minnesota. He and his father would go fishing out of necessity, but the time together was priceless I am sure. I loved the close family relationship portrayed in this book. I love the different immigration perspective, and I loved hearing Bao's father share about a different pond in Vietnam he would fish at.
I loved the graphic novel like look but with a more artsy take Thi Bui did for A Different Pond. The illustrations enhanced the beautiful story. The combination of a touching, powerful, and educational story with stunning illustrations is why this book earned 4.5 out of 5 stars.
You need to check this book out. It'd make a great read diversity read aloud, and a perfect book for an immigration lesson. Even though it is a clean and touching story I think 2nd grade through 6th grade would be the ideal audience for this book. The story is powerful and eye opening; older readers would gain more from the sweet story.
The information and personal pictures about the author, Bao Phi, and illustrator, Thi Bui, found in the back of the book is fantastic. I loved reading all about Phi and Bui. Their history and personal connection with the story is powerful, and helps the reader feel even stronger for the story. This page was a great ending to a wonderful book. Go check this read out!
Happy New Perspective on Immigrants reading!
A Different Pond by Bao Phi illustrated by Thi Bui
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: 7-12 years old, 2nd to 6th grade.
Worth a Check Out: Yes
Buy It or Not: Great book. Definitely a purchase for a library collection.
Read Aloud: Yes.
Lesson Ideas: Immigration, immigrants, diversity, Asian culture, family, father-son time, family relationships, Caldecott.
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