Watercress

This lyrical picture book, full of compelling and descriptive language, tells the story of a girl who learns about some of the hardships her Chinese immigrant parents faced in the past. The difficult realities of the hunger and famine her mother experienced teach her about empathy and understanding, despite her initial resentment of feeling different because she was asked to collect watercress from the side of the road. Suitable as a read-aloud for a primary audience, this engaging story may invite classroom discussions and lessons about diversity, family histories and traditions, perspective-taking, and how the environment shapes our actions. Students may be encouraged to share stories about their family traditions and foods that are meaningful to them.