Watercress - Andrea Wang & Jason Chin

 

Watercress - Andrea Wang & Jason Chin

Bibliography: 

Wang, A., Chin, J., & Lu, S. (2023). Watercress. Findaway World, LLC.

Plot Summary: 

Embarrassed about gathering watercress from a roadside ditch, a girl learns to appreciate her Chinese heritage after learning why the plant is so important to her parents.

Critical Analysis:

This book is beautiful. Both Wang's poetic narrative and Chin's watercolor paintings provide an emotional punch. The book is quiet, slow and lovely as it illuminates one Chinese American family's day with watercress.

At the same time, the book is filled with dramatic power and raises both raw feelings and honest questions around the issues of racial and ethnic diversity, the lived experiences of first generation Chinese American children, Chinese immigration, Chinese history, memory, food, family, Whiteness, and assimilation.

This book looks at pain and poverty. But, it also centers how we, humans, and particularly this Chinese American family move through trauma by creating new memories of joy, family, and food.

Review Excerpt: 

The New York Times

Wang's multilayered, poetic text allows anger, guilt and grief to coexist with love and hope. Chin's captivating watercolor art, executed with a mix of Chinese and Western techniques, combines meticulous, gut-wrenching realism with dreamlike panoramas.

Kirkus Review (starred review)

Understated, deep, and heart-rending—bring tissues.

School Library Journal (starred review)

Simple text and beautiful illustrations pack a strong emotional punch . . . A powerful story sure to awaken empathy and ­curiosity.

The Horn Book (starred review)

this quietly affecting book encourages honesty, communication, and sharing of family history.

Connections:

Award Winning Book - Include in Award Winning Display

Immigrants & Refugee

Social-Emotional Learning