Happy After All (Bilingual Multicultural Book) - Vietnamese/English Author: Anneke Forzani
Illustrator: Alex Jarman
What if you had to leave behind everything you love: family, friends, and home?
A young girl and her father face this daunting challenge as they travel away from their village. In another country, the girl must adapt to an unfamiliar climate, culture, neighborhood, and school - while feeling the sad pangs of homesickness. Through her father's encouragement, and her own willingness to embrace new experiences, the girl gradually discovers that she can be Happy After All.
Shared through a child's voice, this book combines the poignancy of memories with the pleasures of a new place. The story's ending empowers readers with the hope of thriving. This is a wonderful tool for fostering reflection and insight among all students.
Educators can download a FREE lesson plan to accompany this book for teaching in diverse classrooms. The lesson helps students identify and appreciate that meaningful happiness can be found despite new and sometimes uncomfortable circumstances. It also helps children develop a sense of empathy with immigrants to build a more welcoming and understanding community. The lesson includes extension activities, vocabulary cards, and useful resources for teaching about migration.
THIS TITLE IS AVAILABLE IN MANY BILINGUAL EDITIONS.
To access lessons and activities that use this book, visit our Free Multicultural Lesson Plans page.
REVIEWS
Happy After All is a delightful read. The story of a newcomer missing her home
country will help students grow empathy and knowledge of another
culture. The words and pictures are authentic and will surely touch the
hearts of children experiencing a big move like this or knowing someone
who has. We glimpse the beauty and warmth of the character's original
home and still feel the hope for her new beginning. It is a welcome
addition to all classrooms that value diversity.
- Mary Karen Engel, 2nd Grade Teacher, Clayton School District
Happy After All provides a uniquely profound glimpse of how the characters are processing their feelings of longing, angst, and fears when arriving in a new country. This emotional connection can facilitate meaningful classroom conversations about facing life's challenges. Happy After All also showcases the main character's native customs and traditions, giving readers an opportunity to acquire new cultural perspectives and insights. I highly recommend Happy After All for all types of classroom settings. - José J. Riera, Washington State University, College of Education
This book could be used as a tool to encourage a child that happiness awaits them in their new home. It could also help inspire empathy in children with a classmate who has recently moved from another country. - Rachel Funez, RachelFunez.com
Happy After All - Bilingual book with lesson plan promotes community in the classroom.
Multicultural Lesson Plan for Happy After All - Supports social & emotional learning
Low/Mid level text: 1-3 sentences per page.
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Great to have perspective 
