May 1, 2025
A child realizes that the jade bracelet she received on her birthday is imbued with deep meaning. "B� Ngoại gave me one when I was little," M� explains. "Now it's my turn to give one to you." Overjoyed, Ti�n reflects on her memories with B� Ngoại, her (now deceased) grandmother who emigrated from Vietnam. She proudly wears the jade to school the next day...until she sees the bracelets that her classmates are sporting--shimmering, sparkling pieces with beads and charms. Her self-consciousness over her "plain, hard-as-a-rock bracelet" boils over. She's embarrassed to wear it on picture day, and after school, she flings the jade on the floor in frustration. Though M� gently explains that the jewelry brings good luck, keeps her safe, and, above all, serves as a connection to their ancestors, Ti�n is unconvinced, and M� offers to buy her the butterfly bracelet she's been longing for. When they reach the store, however, M�'s words sink in, and Ti�n learns to fully appreciate the significance of the jade--and to see its true sparkle. Dinh's contemplative, evenly paced narrative charts Ti�n's emotional journey, while Kang's watercolors make inspired use of perspective and blended colors, bringing depth and texture to each tender scene. A quietly charming and sincere exploration of a loving tradition. (author's note)(Picture book. 5-9)
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