"They haul us out of the back seat.
We are told to
untie our sneakers,
peel off our socks,
and roll up our jeans.
We have to help them gather it.
The water in the ditch is cold.
It stings my ankles
and the mud squelches
up between my toes."
It stings my ankles
and the mud squelches
up between my toes."
A family outing leads to gathering wild watercress that is growing at the side of the road. The parents are filled with memories of home, and has them thinking about China where they grew up. The young narrator is not thrilled as is evident from her reluctance to remove her shoes and roll up her jeans to help with the harvest that is so pleasing to her parents.
She shares her negative response to the impromptu stop.
"The bag in my hands grows
heavier
and heavier
with the weight of all
the watercress.
and heavier
with the weight of all
the watercress.
The paper is soaked and I'm
half afraid
half hopeful
half hopeful
that the bottom will split,
sending all the plants back down
into the muck."
When they are finished, they head home. The road trip is forgotten. Dinner that night includes a big dish of watercress which she is not prepared to try. Her parents encourage her to try the bounty collected without cost. Not a chance, she knows what 'free' means in America. For her mother, it is a stark reminder of times of trouble when there was not nearly enough food. Her story gives the young girl pause; she agrees to taste this dish that is so special to her parents. A new memory of sharing watercress assuages the sadness of looking back.
Beautifully written, with admirable watercolor artwork, this story is emotional, memorable and a poignant family story. Back matter includes notes from both author and illustrator. 
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