Read Time: 13mins
Author: Michele Maria Surat
Genre: Cultural
Synopsis: Angel Child, Dragon Child by Michele Maria Surat is a heartfelt children’s book about Ut, a young Vietnamese immigrant struggling to adjust to a new school in America. After bullying from classmates, including a boy named Raymond, due to her clothes and culture, she bonds with them after sharing her story, leading to a school fair that raises money to bring her mother over from Vietnam.
Points of Interest: Vietnamese culture, immigration, compassion
Who may like this book: Children who enjoy stories about friendship, culture, and navigating new experiences.
Dialogic Reading Prompts
- Do you think Ut’s name is strange or different? How would you feel if your name was uncommon?
- Why does Ut have an at home name and a true name?
- Why do you think Raymond was so mean to Ut?
- What if you were in a new country, couldn’t really speak their language, without your parent? What would that feel like?
- What do you think Ut means when she talks about being an “angel child” and a “dragon child?”
- Is there other kids at your school like Ut? Where they speak differently than you?
- What would you say to Ut to make her feel more welcomed at your school?
- Would you like to visit other countries?
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