The House Baba Built: An Artist's Childhood in China

 Bibliography: Young, E. (2011). The House Baba Built: An Artist's Childhood in China. Little, Brown and Co. ISBN 978-0-316 07628-9

Plot Summary: This is the author's memoir of life in China at the end of the Great Depression, as World War II is about to begin. China is invaded by Japan and is no longer safe. Young's father builds a house  for his family that becomes a safe haven for their community as well. 

Critical Analysis: Ed Young's memoir, though written many years later, is told through the eyes of a child as it clearly depicts a child's vivid imagination. Fun childhood memories, such as chasing crickets, are integrated with the families struggles in the depression before World War II. The illustrations are unique and eye-catching as they are juxtaposed with actual photographs and rough sketches. The narrative concludes with a timeline and prologue of the family as well as the original floorplan of the house. The message is clear and demonstrated by the father's actions: love yourself and others, show love through selfless acts. Very well written from a perspective that isn't often shared. 

Reviews:

Kirkus Reviews: "Sophisticated, inventive art invites close viewings for patient readers in this unusual family story."

Goodreads.com: "This powerful, poignant, and exquisitely illustrated memoir is the story of one of our most beloved children's illustrators and the house his baba built."

Awards:

Norman A. Sugarman Children's Biography Award, 2012

American Library Association Notable Books Award, 2012

Notable Social Studies Trade Books Award, 2012

Connections:

Use in a middle or high school World History class when studying the Great Depression and World War II. Read aloud to the class. Then read George Takei's They Called Us Enemy. Compare and contrast the experiences of the two children. 

Use in a middle or high school art class. Read aloud, and have student pay special attention to the different mediums used.  Discuss the various mediums, then have students create their own work using multiple mediums. 

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