LAND OF BROKEN PROMISES

The sequel to the author's novel IN THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY begins 18 months after Taiwanese-born Anna immigrates to the U.S. Catherine Ho's narration of the story, told in first-person free verse, features an even pace that reflects the balance this sixth-grade student is attempting to achieve. Ho recounts Anna's emotional ups and downs: At first, she believes she can achieve success in her new country; then she realizes with shock that her family has no path to citizenship. Ho captures Anna's attempts to come to terms with her family's financial struggles and her own limitations. By the story's end, Ho expresses hints of optimism as Anna begins to believe she has a gift for words and can make a difference. S.W. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2023]