I picked up this graphic novel not knowing what to expect and I feel like this is essential while reading a children’s book. Otherwise, it takes away from the book’s magic. Now, the audiobook format in this genre was new to me but I have to say that I did not quite like the interruption of the story to describe the image present at that moment in the book. I feel like with this type of books it’s a no brainer to pick up the physical copy to read it while listening to the narration. That’s the specificity and magic of reading a graphic novel. You need those pictures to belong to the world that book created. Also, as much as I loved how this story introduced us and the main character to racism, I think that the parents didn’t explain the term enough for Jade to start using it at that age. I think that conversation could have been more satisfactory if it was a bit longer but still simple for a kid to understand. Jade should have asked more questions about the word before adding it to her vocabulary.
Other than that, this was an enjoyable story to read. I loved learning more about the Vietnamese culture and the stereotypes attributed to them.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
The Secret of the Jade Bangle is book one in a new children's middle-grade series by Linda Trinh. We follow Anne, who's of Canadian and Vietnamese heritage. After Anne's grandma Noi passed away, she left certain gifts to be passed down to her grandchildren. Anne receives grandma Nois jade bangle, and when she puts it on, she finds she can see and hear her beloved grandmother. Grandma Noi explains the ancestors are not very happy with the food offerings her parents are serving them at their alter and requests Anne to learn their traditional cooking methods to help appease them and bring the family good fortune. Anne decides to help and starts learning how to cook traditional Vietnamese foods to appease them and also gets to spend precious time with her grandmother again. Anne has also started a new ballet class, but the teacher keeps singling her out, and Anne is confused as to why. I thought this was a very well handled and explained part of the story as it explains types of bullying and racism in a sensitive and informative way for children. I also liked that Anne's parents were involved in her dealing with this and how it taught them a lesson too of how important it is to know about and embrace your heritage (both good and bad aspects). The narrators voice was soothing and enjoyable to listen to and the illustration descriptions were a nice touch too.

Caveat: this review is of the AUDIOBOOK. I plan to read a print of version as well, because I was very much looking forward to the story, but this was a DNF in the audiobook format for me.

It hurts my heart to leave a bad review of this book, and I’m sure it will be an unpopular decision, but… This is why they asked for outside opinions, right?

I was super excited when the book came up for offer - I teach in Asia and am always looking for books that will resonate with my students, and in which they may be able to identify with the characters. So, I think that my disappointment was even greater, because there is no way any of my students would enjoy this audiobook.

First of all, it is rare that an author does a good job of reading their own book, and this is no exception. Her voice was annoying, and the cadence very, very distracting. It was not a natural speech pattern, but it was also not being read as if to children or preteens.

As for the story, I couldn’t finish the book because as I was listening, the narration is frequently interrupted by a description of the illustrations on the page. I have listened to many, many. audiobooks and I have never had this before. Even in books that are instruction manual type, the narrator has never described the illustrations. I accept, and recognize that with an audiobook, I miss out on the printed images. It is exceptionally distracting and impossible to follow a storyline. I couldn’t listen beyond a few minutes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.

This story moves at a good pace to keep you interested. It tackle large topics and has good problem solving techniques. Racism is a tough deep topic and hard for kids to grasp but is handled well.

I’m a sucker for a good early chapter book - and they can be hard to find - but this series starter is a true gem.

In The Secret of the Jade Bangle, we meet Anne (with an E), a nine year old Vietnamese Canadian who loves ballet and spending time with her friends and family. This is the first book in the Nguyen series by Linda Trinh.

When Anne is gifted her dead grandmother’s jade bangle bracelet, she is surprised by a visit from her Grandma Noi who passed away. Grandma Noi teaches Anne how to cook traditional Vietnamese meals, allowing her to share her culture with her friends and family - and to learn a bit more about herself.

Anne faces racism in school, and wrestles with her identity as the child of Vietnamese immigrants. These are big topics for a young reader, but Trinh treats them with refreshing frankness in language that is recognizable and meaningful to elementary readers.

Audiobook narration was clear and was easy to follow, but not exceedingly expressive. Audiobook readers will miss out on illustrations, but descriptions are offered.

Four stars

The Secret of the Jade Bangle is an engaging and empowering illustrated chapter book for grade school age readers by Linda Trinh and the first book in the Nguyen Kids series. Released 18th Oct 2022 from Annick Press, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.

This is such a fun and respectfully written book which will engage, entertain, and inform young readers. Despite the action filled plot (Anne really loves ballet but just wants to not be treated differently by her ballet teacher and the other students), the author manages to delve into deeper and meaningful themes such as integration and isolation, respect for culture, honesty, integrity, dealing constructively with racism, activism, and family in an age-appropriate manner.

The art by Clayton Nguyen is expressive and colorful and is full of small details which invite readers to take a closer look and really think about the concepts being expressed.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 1 hour 1 minute and is read by the author herself. She has a nicely modulated voice and reads very well (not always the case with author narrators). Interestingly, since this is an illustrated book, much of the read provides descriptions of the illustrations; what's happening on page, what the characters are holding or wearing, etc. It adds a level of enjoyment to the read and for beginning readers, having the audiobook to accompany the print book will definitely add a layer of enjoyment to the read.

Five stars. Representation is important for *everyone*. Highly recommended for public and school library acquisition, home library use, reading circles and similar. This is a great kids book for -all- kids whatever their ethnicity, background, or sex.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I've read some of the later stories in epub format, so while I thought I would miss following along with the beautiful illustrations, the Image IDs are done so well that I could picture what was happening. This is a small reminder to make Image IDs for my own social media posts, to promote diversity in reading.

The title of this book amuses me as I am currently wearing my jade bangle. I'm no longer as cute as Anne, but I've certainly dealt with the same microaggressions and racism growing up. I say growing up. They still occur.

I think it tells a powerful story that this generation of Vietnamese diaspora kids are so comfortable in their own skin they can truly be honest with their parents. And that their parents see the racism for what it is, and don't belittle their children's feelings.

To all the kids that have been asked, "But where are you really from," this book is for you. And if you've never been asked this, look inward and don't ask it of others.

🎧 Thank you to Annick Press Audiobooks

"The Secret of the Jade Bangle" is the first installment in The Nguyen Kids series and I requested to listen to this audiobook after reading (and enjoying) the fourth book in the series, "Journey of the Ancestor's Gifts".

This chapter book follows, the Nguyen siblings Anne, Liz and Jason (Jay) as they recently inherit gifts passed on by their late Grandma Nội’. As we listen on, we find out that Anne's jade bangle has secret powers and allows her to talk to her grandma's ghost. This Own Voices book provides its listeners a glimpse of how children that are persons of colour or of visible minorities might experience racism and/or cultural disconnect. It was such an empowering read as it tells the story of how the main characters overcome these experiences by embracing their Vietnamese culture and trusting in their family and ancestors.

The physical books features simple illustrations within some chapters, but unfortunately not in its audio format. The audiobook, however, includes a verbal description of what the illustrations would be.

This chapter book is great for middle grade readers looking for a story that is diverse and celebrates and explores the Vietnamese culture with hints of fantasy, supernatural, and magical realism.

"I've always believed in ghosts". Especially when the ghost of grandma Nguyen shows itrself, and urges the character to be more connected to her culture and heritage by doing simple things such as cooking and learning the language.

Do you know how it is to walk in someone elses shoes?

That's one of the questions this books sets to answer, in a childrens friendly way.
This book is a great tool for both children born of the majority, to have a tiny insight into the "casual" racism that can occour, but can also be a tool for minority children to persuade them into telling a trusted adult if they are ever in a position like the main charcter in the story.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Annick Press for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.