Customer Reviews

Honeysuckle House

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ten-year-old Sarah misses her best friend terribly, but finds herself paired with a new girl in school who has just arrived from China. Sarah resents the pairing with another Asian student - and finds their common cultural roots still don't make up for the fact she's been raised in America and Tina is a newcomer. A reluctant friendship forms as the two find close ties to bind them in Honeysuckle House's inviting story of friendship.

My daughter was required to read this prior to entering 5th grade as part of her summer homework. This book was assigned to prepare them for a multi-cultural unit they began the year with. We bought it and took it on vacation with us. She reported that she enjoyed this book (didn't feel like homework). This book is about transitions middle-schoolers may encounter, and introduced my daughter to the challenges young immigrants may face. I was very happy this book was assigned, and it allowed my daughter and I to have some conversations about different cultures. Reading this as we were traveling was an added bonus.

Honeysuckle House is a beautifully written book of friendship and family, loss and loneliness, cultural identity and self-acceptance. Cheng tells the story of Sarah, an American girl with Chinese ancestry, and Ting, the new girl who's just immigrated from China,in alternating first person. Every word rings true, creating a realistic and intimate relationship with both characters. The book is subtle but emotionally powerful, too. Highly recommended!

Sarah is trying to be your typical fourth grader. That is not so easy when you are just about the only Asian American at school. Sarah's best friend is suddenly ripped from her life. Her father is often absent. She has enough trouble. Then, Ting /Tina, a new girl from China, joins her class. Tina also misses her best friend and has her own share of troubles. Cheng has a wonderful writing style and a unique voice. Karen, East Asian Children's Books.