The Words We Share, written and illustrated by Jack Wong. Annick Press, 2023. $22.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Come on, he says, let's go down to see 
the owner together. 

My tummy is doing flip-flops by the 
time we get to the laundromat.  

"Maybe we should come back later - "
I start to say, but Dad squeezes my 
hand, and we go in." 

Upon arrival in Canada from their Chinese homeland, Angie and her father speak only a few words of English. Attendance at school has made a big difference for Angie. She is able to converse easily now. Her father continues to speak Cantonese. He often needs Angie's help with deliveries, dinners out, and buying groceries; she is happy to be there for him. 

It takes time for her father to find work because of the language barrier. Work as a janitor does not require language proficiency. When he is asked to put up notices concerning employee behavior, he enlists Angie's help to print out his instructions. While helping, Angie realizes she has a talent that could help other members of their Chinese community. She offers to make signs in English for the canteen owner, the shoemaker, and the owner of the laundromat. It's a win/win situation. 

Everything is well and good, until there is a problem at the laundromat. Angie is embarrassed and afraid to sort it out with Mr. Chu. Her father offers support, and makes a discovery that totally surprises both he and his daughter. He and Mr. Chu speak Hakka; they came from the same area of China. Angie has no idea that her father speaks another language! 

"I watch Dad as we walk home. 
He looks changed, but also not. 
Because the two languages Dad 
knew how to speak were in him 
this whole time." 

Detailed illustrations give readers a warm glimpse at immigrant life and the struggles faced by many. Angie and her father respect each other as they work together to make a new life, using their individual abilities. Angie's English dialogue is placed alongside her father's Cantonese (which is also translated into English) allowing those reading the story a chance to see what conversation looks like as the two work together.   

https://youtu.be/Z5Xy6WECpKU?si=sCxxIAhIvBXkUnsR