Summary
School Library Journal:
Gr 3–6— Tuyet had little memory of her life before going to the orphanage where, at eight, she was one of the oldest children. She ate fish and rice, drank water, and could not remember ever seeing the sky. Her scars were from burns and injuries she could not remember, and polio left her leg weak. In April 1975, Tuyet’s life changed forever as she became part of the last Canadian airlift operation to leave Saigon. Along with 56 babies and toddlers, Tuyet was flown first to Hong Kong and then to Canada where she was adopted by a loving family, something she had never known. The author tells Tuyet’s story with respect and dignity, introducing readers to a brave girl caught up in the turbulent times of her country, her fears of leaving what she knew, and the joy of finding a new life. Archival and family photos are included throughout, as are a historical note explaining the circumstances surrounding the airlift and an author’s note with follow-up information about Tuyet. Her story will appeal to a broad range of readers.—Denise Moore, O’Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD –Denise Moore (Reviewed April 1, 2012) (School Library Journal, vol 58, issue 04, p187)
Awards:
- Red Cedar Book Awards (British Columbia): Non-Fiction