A Different Pond By Bao Phi

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About Book

Title: A Different Pond
Author: Bao Phi
Illustrator: Thi Bui
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Multicultural
Major Book Awards: 2018 Caldecott Medal
Recommended Age Range: 8 to 11
Appropriate Grade Levels: 3rd to 6th grade

Summary

This story is about a young boy named Bao who is woken up really early to go fishing with his dad one morning. They head out hours before his dad has to leave for work at his second job. Unlike others, they go fishing for food and not for pleasure. This made Bao question his dad as to why they keep doing this when he has two jobs. His dad then explains that everything in America can be expensive. While fishing, Bao's dad reminisces his life as a little boy in Vietnam. He shares that he used to fish in a similar pond like this with his brother and talks a bit about the war they both fought together in as soldiers. Then suddenly a few fishes plopped up and they've successfully caught them. This made Bao's dad smile widely, because it means they'll have dinner tonight. As they head back home, his mom was also getting ready for work. This trip made Bao realize how hardworking his parents are to give his siblings and him a better life. Towards the end of the book, they all ate the fishes they caught together as a family. 

Teacher Evaluation

This book was so beautifully written and the message behind it is touching and relatable. The illustrations are so unique and neatly done. I can see some graphic inspirations, yet it feels so warm and cozy. I would definitely use this book in my classroom and think it is appropriate for 3rd-6th grades. It teaches students to have empathy and respect on other people's culture and how they live their life. As a teacher I think this book is great, because you never know if that one kid in your class can relate to this book. I can use this book in a social studies lesson and talk about immigration, refugee, war, and why people may leave their country. An activity that students can do is find out their family history of why their ancestors moved here and such. At the end, students can share their family story.

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