Customer Reviews

Family (Carolrhoda Picture Books)

5 star:		(1)
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2 star:		(1)
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I like children's books that have storylines, and this doesn't. Nothing happens except Hope's family gathers for a dinner, and Hope briefly describes what each person brings. It isn't very interesting, and while food could be a great way to discuss how two families come together, especially families from different racial groups, the opportunity is completely missed. A cousin comments that Hope's food contribution is different, "but so is she," apparently a reference to her being biracial. But none of the characters, including Hope, notice what he says, and the comment comes and goes without a ripple.

Now, if the author had had both families eating together and one had brought collard greens and the other brought pierogies, if the other family members were hesitant about the unfamiliar foods but Hope, the bridge between the two, showed them the way, or if the families simply enjoyed the feast, having already accepted and enjoyed their differences, or if anyone had commented on what the cousin meant.... if any of those things had happened in this book, then I'd have a different review. If you are looking for a message about family and food, there are many other books. If you are looking for a book about multiracial families, the author's earlier book "Hope" is much better.

A little girl named Hope visited her Aunt Poogee house. She goes every summer right before school opens back. She loves visiting her Aunt Poogee's because there is always something to do. One summer one of her Aunt's friends asked "Is this child mixed." Hope heard it and wondered what she meant. Later on she couldn't think about anything but what her Aunt's friend said about her.

Hope is a great book that teach young children that they are special no matter what they look like. This book is fantastic and will keep readers wondering what the author will write next.