Family Style: Memories Of An American From Vietnam

“𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺” is a thoroughly enjoyable memoir in the format of a graphic novel. Woven with memories of Vietnamese and American food with each chapter named after a signature dish, this book reminds me of Esperanza Rising (where each chapter was named after a harvest). It also reminds me of the classic “𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥.” But what stands out in this creation is that it captures the entire cycle of immigration – the fearful boat ride to the wait at the refugee camp in Thailand for the family’s turn to emigrate, to the trials and tribulations of resettling, the hard work every day and finally as Thien Pham grows up, the final step towards naturalization.

The end notes, also written as an interview with Thien Pham in the format of a graphic novel, provide a glimpse of the writing process and a first-hand account of some of the events and memories.

Great for grades 4 and above!