An arresting, poetic journey and a moving reflection on
immigration, family, and home, from an acclaimed creative team.
"Wishes, by Mượn Thị Văn, tells the powerful, honest story about one Vietnamese family's search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting and powerful impact that makes on one of the youngest members of the family. Inspired by actual events in the author's life, this is a narrative that is both timely and timeless. Told through the eyes of a young girl, the story chronicles a family's difficult and powerful journey to pack up what they can carry and to leave their world behind, traveling to a new and unknown place in a crowded boat. With sparse, poetic, and lyrical text from this acclaimed author with luminous, stunning illustrations from Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Victo Ngai, Wishes tells a powerful and timely story in a gentle and approachable way for young children and their families."
– Barnes and Noble
Listen
Visit Tumblebook Library
-Log in to the Tumblebook database
-Click TumbleSearch
-Search by Title: Joseph’s Big Ride
-Listen, watch, and read along with the narrator about how a young immigrant from Sudan makes a new friend who helps him fulfill a dream.
Learn
Visit Britannica School
-Click the Elementary Tree arrow
-Search “Statue of Liberty"
-Learn more about the national symbol that has welcomed millions to the United States.
Share
Discussion
-Listen to the audio of author Mượn Thị Văn share her memories of emigrating to the United States: https://bit.ly/Muon_Van_Wishes
-Discuss with an adult the items you would pack in a bag for a long journey. Why did you choose those items?
-In the author's note, Mượn Thị Văn shares, "I wish only for a safer, kinder, fairer, and more beautiful world." What can you do to help make this wish come true?