Nguyen siblings + their gifts in Vietnam = a curse breaking journey!

The Journey of the Ancestors' Gifts by Linda Trinh and illustrated by Clayton Nguyen, is the fourth book in The Nguyen Kids series and is a deep yet fun filled story connecting the family together through spirituality. Anne, Liz, and Jay set off on their first trip to Vietnam where they visit Grandma Noi’s childhood home. Upon getting there, they realize they can’t use their gifts the same way they can at home and they wonder why the ancestors’ room is off limits. To their surprise, they find out the house is cursed and they have to find a way to break the curse so they can connect to their ancestors once again.

I enjoyed this new journey into self discovery and acceptance. While it’s the fourth book in the series, it introduces the characters and their items given to them by grandma Noi. This allows readers who haven’t read the other books to have an idea of what’s going on if they just dove into this one first. I really love that there is a use of Vietnamese throughout the entire book as well as references to places in Vietnam. Additionally the themes of fitting in, family connectedness, and loving yourself are very strong and create a cute story. Finally, I love the pronounced sibling roles of each of the three siblings. It shows their struggles and wins as well as how they think in relation to each other.

While the overall story is great and has a lot of interesting aspects to it, there are a few things that stuck out to me. Due to the level of the readers who would most likely read this book, it could be a bit confusing switching between the three POVs. Additionally, the story is in first person and elicits inner thoughts that younger children may not process yet. For younger readers it’s easier to relate when it’s in third person. But, again, the story is great, so enjoy the series!

The illustrations are done beautifully and express the nuances of the story. They add to the plot and help push the story along. Fantastic job!

I highly recommend this to children ages 6-10, but older children can enjoy it as well. It’s a chapter book and would be great for group reading sessions or assigned books at school due to its many elements within. From things like Vietnamese culture, language, Vietnam descriptions, spirituality, having gifts, growing up, family, and even social justice, there’s much to learn from this book. Give it a read and also dive into the rest of the series!

Series order: Book 1- The Secret of the Jade Bangle, Book 2- The Power of the Pearl Earrings, Book 3- The Mystery of the Painted Fan


*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of The Journey of the Ancestors' Gifts from Linda Trinh via NetGalley

This series by Linda Trinh is a favorite in my classroom and her latest book doesn't disappoint. Reading have th opportunity to learn more about the Vietnamese culture through engaging characters and exciting plot.

Thank you Netgalley and Annick Press for the advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a well done book. I appreciated that Linda was able to weave a tale that was so respectful and open. It is something that I would absolutely let my daughter read. This is something that we don't get to see a lot of, especially stories about Vietnam written in this way. I want to read all the others with my daughter now.

A sweet chapter book that emphasizes the importance of being true to yourself and your culture. I liked the way the author put words to the characters feelings as tangible ideas that are easy to relate to. I think these books would be excellent ways to discuss with kids topics such as expressing your feelings, acceptance, cultural and gender diversity and compassion.

A delightful and charming story about three siblings visiting Vietnam for the first time and staying in their Grandmas’s house. They’re going to reconnect with their culture while also possibly breaking a curse placed on their house! this was such a sweet and fun read, as a kid who did visit Vietnam when they were younger and did grow up connecting to the Vietnamese culture, this story absolutely touched my heart. I think it’s a wonderful read and I had fun with it. I liked that it had not only Vietnamese culture but praises and titles in it too, it’s a great way to learn a little Vietnamese haha.

*Thanks Netgalley and Annick Press Ltd., Annick Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*