Review Detail

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.