Love as Strong as Ginger
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Book Overview
Katie loves to show her grandma how to dress a Barbie...and GninGnin loves to show Katie how to make rice dumplings. More than anything, Katie longs to go with GninGnin to work, to crack a mountain of crabs alongside her at the crab cannery.
One day Katie gets her wish, but nothing is the way she'd imagined it. GninGnin swings a heavy mallet from sunup to sundown in a noisy, smelly room, earning barely enough for bus fare and a fish for dinner. That evening, when Katie eats the delicious meal that GninGnin has cooked -- "made with love as strong as ginger and dreams as thick as black-bean paste" -- she has a new understanding of her beloved grandma's hard life, and the sacrifices she's made to give her granddaughter a brighter future.
All the poignancy of Lenore Look's beautifully realized story -- based on her own childhood memories of her Chinese immigrant grandmother -- is captured in Caldecott Honor Medalist Stephen T. Johnson's sensitive, expressive pastels.
One day Katie gets her wish, but nothing is the way she'd imagined it. GninGnin swings a heavy mallet from sunup to sundown in a noisy, smelly room, earning barely enough for bus fare and a fish for dinner. That evening, when Katie eats the delicious meal that GninGnin has cooked -- "made with love as strong as ginger and dreams as thick as black-bean paste" -- she has a new understanding of her beloved grandma's hard life, and the sacrifices she's made to give her granddaughter a brighter future.
All the poignancy of Lenore Look's beautifully realized story -- based on her own childhood memories of her Chinese immigrant grandmother -- is captured in Caldecott Honor Medalist Stephen T. Johnson's sensitive, expressive pastels.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0689812485
ISBN13:9780689812484
Release Date:May 1999
Publisher:Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Length:32 Pages
Weight:0.65 lbs.
Dimensions:0.4" x 7.8" x 8.8"
Age Range:5 to 8 years
Grade Range:Preschool to Grade 3
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
A story of intergenerational bonding
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
"Love As Strong As Ginger" is the story of the bond between an Chinese-American girl and her grandmother. Author Lenore Look includes a short "Author's Note" in which she reveals that the story was inspired by the life of her own immigrant grandmother. Look's well-written text is nicely complemented by the colorful illustrations of Stephen T. Johnson. Johnson's lovely artwork is realistic, yet with a slightly hazy quality--as if seen through the mists of memory.Katie, the narrator of the story, recalls a day in which she accompanied her grandmother, called "GninGnin," to the crab processing plant where she works. Katie gains a greater appreciation for her grandmother's hard work, personal sacrifice, and dignity. A nice added touch is a glossary of Chinese terms used in the book.This is a truly universal story about the bond between a grandparent and grandchild. But be warned: the graphic descriptions of crabs being cracked open for meat will surely nauseate some vegetarians, and upset those sympathetic to animal rights.
A beautiful story ? captivates all ages
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
My children and I loved Love as Strong as Ginger. The beautiful metaphors beg to be read aloud, and over and over again. There's a simple message of love, and the strength of a love to inspire one to dream to be whatever one wants to be. The story is even more poignant because of the complexities of a harsh real world setting. It's written in the voice of the child for children maybe 4 to 8, but I was captivated and think that much older children will be as well. It wouldn't surprise me if it wins an award - it's already a winner in my family!
The best book in the world
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This was a really super book!!!!!! I am ten years old and this is the best book I have ever read in my whole life. It made my heart melt. I must have read this book a million times!!!!
5-Star Read from the First Line to the Last
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
An unflinching view of the harsh conditions in a crab chong (cannery), but the Author never loses focus on the hope that sustains those who take those kinds of jobs. This book gives voice to countless workers in menial jobs in a way that can be heard and felt by children and those who must bring them up to be responsible adults. A five-star read from the first line to the last.
Great for Classroom Discussion
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
My fourth-grade students never had a more lively discussion than after reading Love as Strong as Ginger. The work seemed to hit a really strong emotional chord with my students, most of whom are from immigrant homes. They all wanted to talk about their parents' jobs, their grandparents' jobs, and their own hopes and fears for the future. We need more books like this one. My students and I will be the first in line for Ms. Look's next books.
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