About This Book
Reach for this book when your child expresses anxiety about a family member visiting school or feels self conscious about their cultural traditions being different from those of their peers. It is a tender resource for children who are navigating the complex intersection of loving their heritage and wanting to fit in at school. Jennifer is nervous about Grandparents Day because her grandmother, Halmoni, is visiting from Korea and doesn't speak much English. As Jennifer worries about being embarrassed by her grandmother's traditional dress and language, she discovers that her classmates see something different: a woman with a rich history and a deep love for her granddaughter. This story helps children ages 4 to 8 process feelings of shame and pride, ultimately celebrating the unique gifts that grandparents from all backgrounds bring to our lives.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book addresses a child's social anxiety about how her grandmother will be perceived by her classmates through a secular, realistic lens. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in reality, focusing on the internal shift of the protagonist rather than a magical change in the environment.
