Goodbye, Vietnam

Goodbye Vietnam is a YA novel that tackles the subject of war and immigration with grace and sensitivity. After the Americans have left Vietnam and the Khmer Rouge are in control, Mai and her family must leave Vietnam in order to save her grandmother and father. Their journey takes them over the South China Sea on a crowded fishing boat into Hong Kong harbor where they are then warehoused until a country will take them or they are sent back to Vietnam where the leaders of the family will surely be killed.The plot is suspenseful enough to keep middle schoolers entertained, but not so much that you (the teacher) feel like you're entertaining them. The story line has merit and lends itself to open discussion. The reading level is perfectly aligned for the complexity needed for 7th graders who are reading on grade level. Some vocabulary will need to be frontloaded or, if reading the novel aloud, discussed and explained as you encounter it. There are great opportunities for teaching connotation and denotation here.All of the major characters are dynamic. They are likable; there are multiple opportunities to teach how the characters are shaped by their setting. You can track how the characters change over the course of the plot and how they are similar or different from other characters.At least two of my students commented that they enjoyed reading the book (one a boy who does not read for pleasure~think typical reluctant reader). We read the entire novel in two weeks taking time to explore all of the basic elements of fiction. This story lent itself to several writing opportunities.Definitely worth reading or recommending to middle schoolers.Melissa

Today we live in a world where refugees in the news. We read about and see people leaving their home land in hope of a better life.Goodbye Vietnam by Gloria Whelan is a story about Vietnamese refugees after the war in Vietnam. Even though this is decades ago the story of Mia rings true today. This 13-year-old girl and her family and their hardship in Vietnam and their courageous journey to their hope for future on a tiny boat with way too many people want is relevant.Written in 1992, this is certainly is an important story for young people to be reading today. Today people very much like Mia are facing danger if they stay in their homeland and danger if they leave. Yet they leave everything behind because they embrace a gritty hope for better life. Goodbye Vietnam is an ALA recommended book for reluctant young adult readers. I see it as a great book for any reader interested in a realistic depiction of what it means to be a refugee from your country.This story appeals to young people, their parents and teachers because of its relevant and accessible content. Many students and some of my teacher friends read this book 20 years ago. I am suggesting that it is time to bring Goodbye Vietnam to new audiences.

This book is a great read and has an amazing plot. I has taught me so much about what life looked like at that time and has inspired me to try harder. Love this book :)

Finally I found an adolescent novel written with Viet Nam as the setting. The characters will inspire your students to be brave and courageous in the face of adversity and danger. The author develops strength of family relations with characters from three generations. There is breath taking suspense to hold the attention of teenagers, and they will laugh at the antics of the grandmother. If you have students whose parents or grandparents came to America, this is a great way to start those conversations about their heritage and the ancestors who took a risk for their freedom. My only disappointment is.... there is no sequel!

My child had to read this book for a summer reading requirement. Naturally, I read the book to be sure he would do a good job. I encourage anyone to read this book, as it has a great story line. The author has the ability to take the reader into the story and keep the reader captivated. I found that in the middle of the book I could not put it down, as I was enthralled on finding out what would take place next. The author has done the research behind the culture of the characters, and has managed to voice the humor to reflect.

My son had to read this for school. It came om great condition.

Very well written. Descriptions clear without being cumbersome. Really enjoyed the grandmother. Also, found the cultural references done well without being overwhelming.

More for young kids, who I'm not sure would be interested in the subject.