The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir
Publisher
Harry N. Abrams
Publication Year
2017
ISBN
9781419718779
Pages
336 pages
Genre
memoir
Format
graphic novel
Item Type
Nonfiction
Annotation
Exploring the anguish of immigration and the lasting effects that displacement has on a child and her family, Bui documents the story of her family's daring escape after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s, and the difficulties they faced building new lives for themselves.
Grade Level
9-12
Lexile Measure
GN600L
Diversity Topics
Culture/Ethnicity; Bicultural; Immigrants and refugees; bicultural family; immigrant family; refugee family
Main Character
adult female
Race/Ethnicities
Asian (Vietnamese)
Family Formation
mother and father
Awards
Cybils Awards, 2017, Nominee, Graphic Novel
Excellence in Graphic Literature Awards, 2018, Winner, Mosaic Award
Notable Books, 2018 Non Fiction
Booklist Editors' Choice: Adult Books for Young Adults, 2017 Non Fiction
School Library Journal Best Adult Books 4 Teens, 2017 Graphic Novel
YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2018 Non Fiction
Keywords
Vietnam; childbirth; siblings; teacher; California; family history; college; Vietnam War
Diversity Impact
direct
STARS Citation
Bui, Thi, "The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir" (2017). Diverse Families. 2013.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/diversefamilies/2013