This is the lyrical true tale of the author’s refugee journey with her family from Vietnam to the United Kingdom at just three years old, leaving home behind to set out in a tiny boat, first down a muddy river delta and then across the vastness of the sea. Spare, intimate, and rooted in specific history yet also profoundly universal, Chi Thai’s story is a reflection of crossings made daily in all corners of the world by families like hers who brave hunger, thirst, fear, and uncertainty in search of safety and a place to call home. With poetic text and warm, child-friendly illustrations from artist Linh Dao, this is the story of one remarkable family’s courage and resilience.
- Books
- Kids Nonfiction
- The Endless Sea
The Endless Sea
Author(s)
Publisher
Age Range
4+
Release Date
March 18, 2025
ISBN
978-1536239607
This deeply personal story of a perilous crossing, movingly illustrated for a picture book audience, mirrors the plight of families around the world who endure global displacement.
Editor review
1 review
Heartfelt Story About Immigration from Vietnam
(Updated: May 31, 2026)
Overall rating
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
5.0
Learning Value
5.0
Even after the Vietnam War ended, people still suffered from fear and hunger as the losing side was punished just because. For one little girl, every day felt like it could be her and her family's last day. Until one day, her mother sells everything they own to buy them a new chance at a better life. The little girl, her father, her mother, and her sister all board a ship to take them to an unknown land, but the sea is unforgiving, and nothing about the journey is easy.
THE ENDLESS SEA tells the story of the author's immigration from Vietnam to America and it's a heartfelt tale with lyrical writing and stunning watercolor illustrations. This is a great way to teach children not to take what they have for granted. The author's note in the back of the book goes deeper into the amount of immigrants who likely didn't survive and the amount of people who may still be suffering. The author pleas for compassion, stating it's needed now more than ever, and I couldn't agree more. This is also a good way to introduce the topic of immigration to children and may even be beneficial to elementary classrooms.
Final Verdict: Perfect in celebration of Asian American Heritage Month, I would recommend this to book to children aged four and older to give them some insight to immigration. It shows them the hardships of both their roots and their journey.
THE ENDLESS SEA tells the story of the author's immigration from Vietnam to America and it's a heartfelt tale with lyrical writing and stunning watercolor illustrations. This is a great way to teach children not to take what they have for granted. The author's note in the back of the book goes deeper into the amount of immigrants who likely didn't survive and the amount of people who may still be suffering. The author pleas for compassion, stating it's needed now more than ever, and I couldn't agree more. This is also a good way to introduce the topic of immigration to children and may even be beneficial to elementary classrooms.
Final Verdict: Perfect in celebration of Asian American Heritage Month, I would recommend this to book to children aged four and older to give them some insight to immigration. It shows them the hardships of both their roots and their journey.
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