Through the experience of an early morning father-son fishing trip, this book beautifully depicts the difficulties many immigrant families experience. This collaboration between graphic novelist Thi Bui and poet Bao Phi is the moving, heart-tugging work you'd expect. one of the best picture books of 2017, period. If the book doesn't directly reference you or your family's lived experience, it will strengthen your Solidarity Heart. It's a gift to witness Bao Phi's storytelling spread from spoken word to children's books in this beautifully told and illustrated story.It touches a wealth of experiences-immigrant, refugee, Asian Pacific American, and the realities of the working poor.

Focused on just one day, this poignant story makes a powerful statement about what it's like to be a refugee, an immigrant, a new American. Insets add lovely detail that conjure up memories, struggle and dreams. The father's broken English 'sounds like a gentle rain,' and 'his broken teeth shine white in the dark.' Also lyrical are paintings, deep blue under a starlit sky. Telling turns of phrase appear with every page turn. Illustrator Thi Bui's art offers a striking exhibit of Phi's prose through illustrations with depth and a quiet, moving emotion. The personal story offers many positive messages about family values that highlight the relationship between father and son and between cultures, old and new. This 2018 Caldecott Honor Book brings together issues of diversity, culture, and immigration without using platitudes. The book would be a warm and welcome addition to home, school, and public library bookshelves. Phi uses the fishing trip-which at first seems to be simply a fun outing for father and son, but is in fact an act of survival-to relate one family's relationship with their adopted country while also delving into the universal bond between children and parents or other adults.A Different Pond is an exquisite story with wisdom and insight that will impact readers during quiet story times at home and in the classroom.

As deep and quietly moving as a fishing pond, Bao Phi's tribute to family, parental sacrifice, and the profound understanding of children wrenches your heart with its beautiful and honest language and touching details.

A Different Pond by Thi Bui