~ MMGM HISTORICAL FICTION PRAIRIE LOTUS ~

 

 

~  MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADE

MONDAY HISTORICAL 

FICTION FEATURE ~

--  'PRAIRIE LOTUS'  --

AUTHOR LINDA SUE PARK

~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight,

Author Bio, Links to Excerpt, Educator

Guide & Resources from the Author's Website~

 

ABOUT THE BOOK {from the publisher's website}:

Prairie Lotus is a powerful, touching, multilayered book about a girl determined to fit in and realize her dreams: getting an education, becoming a dressmaker in her father’s shop, and making at least one friend. Acclaimed, award-winning author Linda Sue Park has placed a young half-Asian girl, Hanna, in a small town in America’s heartland, in 1880. Hanna’s adjustment to her new surroundings, which primarily means negotiating the townspeople’s almost unanimous prejudice against Asians, is at the heart of the story. Narrated by Hanna, the novel has poignant moments yet sparkles with humor, introducing a captivating heroine whose wry, observant voice will resonate with readers. Afterword.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Amazon}:

Linda Sue Park is the author of the Newbery Medal book A Single Shard, many other novels, several picture books, and most recently a book of poetry: Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems). She lives in Rochester, New York, with her family, and is now a devoted fan of the New York Mets. For more information visit www.lspark.com.

--MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AND RESOURCES FOR THE BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE MAY BE FOUND AT:

https://lindasuepark.com/books/books-novels/prairie-lotus/

--EDUCATOR GUIDE PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE PUBLISHER, HMH BOOKS: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13lRcj-3JvgP858V7Zt6cOEz6m7JyzUQd/view

--EXCERPT PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE PUBLISHER, HMH BOOKS:  https://www.hmhbooks.com/shop/books/prairie-lotus/9781328781505

 

My Thoughts:

I came across this book in one of my online library catalog quests to find a new middle-grade sewing book to read. I limited my search to 'children's' collection, and this book popped up in the search results.

The catalog record indicated it passed my personal litmus test for my favorite types of books to read for Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday:

--Middle-Grade Fiction ✅

--Sewing ✅

--Historical fiction ✅

--Diverse Cultures ✅

 

I usually read the Author's Note at the end of most books prior to beginning to read the text of the book. This time, I restrained myself and decided to wait until the end of the book to read this author's detailed note. I'm so glad I waited because I was immediately immersed in the story without any preconceived notions about the narrative.

Without divulging any information about the background of this novel or the author's motivation in writing this story, I'd like to share my thoughts with you.

 

Special Note:  The book is listed on Amazon and in the library catalog as being appropriate for ages 10-12. There is a frightening incident in the story in the final section which involves two drunken white townsmen who attempt to assault Hanna. In my experience as a classroom educator, I feel that this incident and the ramifications of its impact on Hanna's life are above the understanding of a mature ten-year-old or eleven-year-old.

'Prairie Lotus' follows the journey of fourteen-year-old Hanna Edmunds and her father from Los Angeles, California, to South Dakota. The protagonist is a fourteen-year-old young woman of mixed heritage. Her father is white, and her mother was Asian. More information about her mother's heritage is revealed as the story unfolds.

 

Hanna learned to sew at a young age from her skilled mother. Her love of sewing and clothing design are evident throughout the story. I especially enjoyed this aspect of the story because of my background in and passion for needlework since I was eight years old.

 

Even though her mother passed away a few years before the story begins, Hanna and her father continue to grieve deeply. They are forced to keep moving further eastward due to the blatant racism and cruelty against Hanna due to her parentage. When they finally arrive in the Dakota Territory in April 1880, father and daughter are both hopeful things will work out for them so they can make this their permanent home.

 

Mr. Edmunds has a goal of building a dress goods shop in the small railroad town of LaForge. He and his wife previously owned and operated a similar shop in Los Angeles. 

There are many obstacles along their road to opening the shop in LaForge. With determination, hard work, and dedication to their mutual goal, Hanna and her father make it work.

 

This is a moving story, and I felt fully invested in it emotionally due to the author's beautiful writing style. I was touched by Hanna's ability to show respect and kindness to the very people who mistreated her for no reason other than her heritage. Hanna treats people as she wants to be treated . . . A great example for young readers.

 

Highly recommended to classroom teachers, librarians, and parents who wish to open up valuable discussions about the issues covered in this book.

 

 

 

Find the links to read more great Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts from middle-grade authors and bloggers at Greg Pattridge's 'Always in the Middle' Blog.

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