We Who Produce Pearls

Starred review from March 18, 2024
Bold, pop art–style graphics and lyrical phrasing distinguish this powerful picture book “inspired by specific figures, events, and movements in Asia and across the Asian diaspora,” per an end note. Throughout, “we” statements (“We who dream... seek... cultivate”) hint at a rich history described more granularly in dynamic lines and thorough back matter (“We who persist,” for example, reflects on themes of empire and colonization). In reiterative, thoughtful text, Ho builds to the meaningful idea that “we... hold injustice in our mouths... and spit it out.” Phingbodhipakkiya’s crisp, bright-hued digital images possess a rich intensity, showing dozens of portraits depicted with various skin tones amid stylized bursts of flora, landscapes, and natural elements. In-depth back matter, including guided questions, starting points, and creators’ notes, concludes. Ages 4–8.

April 15, 2024
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners (2021) author Ho reflects on Asian American history. "We who dream / mark time by the moon, / a heavenly body containing multitudes, whose many faces mirror our own." Writing in verse, Ho notes the diversity of the Asian American community. She alludes to the many reasons that people took the risk of immigrating to America: the wounds of colonization, unfair labor practices, and dreams of opportunities. Affirming that the Asian experience is an integral part of U.S. history, she acknowledges the oppression that Asian Americans have endured, but, she stresses, "We are not our pain." "We who prosper / hold injustice / in our mouths, / encircle it with tenacity / and audacity, / roll it around on our tongues... // and spit it out." The resulting pearl is a potent metaphor for Asian Americans' ability to create beauty and meaning out of sorrow. Despite the picture-book format, this work is better suited for older readers. Laced with references to historical figures, movements, and events, Ho's rich, mesmerizing text begs to be discussed; educators will appreciate the detailed backmatter, which unpacks each stanza, offering historical context and guiding questions. Ho's verse is brought to vivid life by Phingbodhipakkiya's arresting, vibrant images of people set against backdrops teeming with traditional cultural motifs. Striking and defiant: an unabashed declaration of hope. (author's and illustrator's notes) (Informational picture book. 7-12)

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Starred review from April 26, 2024

Gr 1-5-A powerful testimony for, and tribute to, the Asian American community. The author and illustrator make it clear in their end notes that this book is intended to inspire Asian Americans as they honor the past, acknowledge multitudes of wrongdoing, and celebrate the strength and power of an incredibly diverse but connected community. Magnificent spreads evoke moments throughout history that speak to the experiences that have shaped the Asian American community and call to readers to investigate further. Guiding questions and points for further research for each spread appear in the back matter. Bold and vibrant illustrations capture the diversity of the Asian American community with pride and an unshakable belief in the power of the people that have made such a lasting impact on the country and the world. The symbolism and details are as rich and as varied as the Asian diaspora. This title belongs in libraries seeking to embrace a deeper understanding of American history and could be particularly useful for social studies and history classes in upper elementary and above as a starting point for the examination of the role of Asian Americans in the history of the U.S. VERDICT Highly recommended for all libraries as this history is too often untold and deserves such a compelling presentation as this.-John Scott

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 19, 2024
Grades K-3 Ho (Eyes That Kiss In the Corners, 2021) returns with another moving celebration of Asian American identity. Her lyrical prose partners with Phingbodhipakkiya's bold, stunning illustrations in a powerful, striking experience. Through verse, Ho evokes the experiences of Asian Americans throughout history, capturing pain, resilience, struggle, and beauty. Each stanza begins with a "We" statement such as "We who dream," "We who seek," and "We who stand in solidarity." Through metaphors and subtle references, Ho hints at the "specific figures, events, and movements in Asia and across the Asian diaspora" that inspired this work, which she discusses in further detail in the back matter. In the Invitation to Dig Deeper and Continue Learning section of the back matter, Ho provides specific guiding questions pertaining to each stanza while also sharing historical events and figures to further explore. The back matter is an excellent classroom and learning resource. Notes from the author and illustrator add further insight and affirmation. A beautifully illustrated, layered work that encourages reflection, feeling, and unpacking.

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