A Different Pond

Title: A Different Pond

Author: Bao Phi

Illustrator: Thi Bui

Youtube-Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lUTB35ggks

A Different Pond is a story about a special bond between a father and son. Early in the morning the father wakes to go fishing. The boy wants to join to help provide the food for the family. He follows his father’s morning routines to the bait shop and to the pond. The boy helps with making the fire, taking the fish off the line, and listens as his father shares stories of when he was a child fishing in Vietnam. They return home where both the boy’s father and mother have to leave for work while the boy stays home with his older siblings. This story shares the importance of family and ends as they sit around the table together for dinner.

Although this book’s main character is a young boy, I think all children would appreciate the tenderness of the father and son connection. I feel many of my students could relate to the boy because most of my parents work more than one job to help make ends meet. The illustrations are similar to a graphic novel in design, which I think many students would appreciate.

This book would be great as a read aloud for an elementary class. Prior to reading the class could share things they do together as a family. I would use a Venn Diagram to show the similarities and differences with interests of families. The lesson could focus on support, trust, and family traditions. I think a writing connection would be a great extension for students to share in more depth what is important to them and their family.

*Also Bao Phi's family moved to South Minneapolis, Minnesota as refugees. Bao Phi has a new book coming out about his daughter called, Footprints. Check it out!