The Lotus Seed

Summary

When she is forced to leave Vietnam, a young girl brings a lotus seed with her to America in remembrance of her homeland. "Exquisite artwork fuses with a compelling narrative—a concise endnote places the story effectively within a historical context—to produce a moving and polished offering."—Publishers WeeklyThat single seed, carried across an ocean, becomes a link to the past and a promise for the future.A Generational Story: Follow one family's journey from a grandmother who saw the last emperor of Vietnam cry, to a young girl who receives a seed of her own.The Refugee Experience: A gentle, age-appropriate introduction to the story of the "boat people," showing how a family leaves their home behind but carries their memories with them.Rich Vietnamese Culture: Discover the Imperial gardens, the River of Perfumes, and the cultural significance of the ao dai and the lotus flower.Hope and Resilience: See how a single seed, lost and planted in the mud, can bloom into a beautiful lotus—a powerful symbol that new life can grow from difficult circumstances.