The Words We Share

PreS-Gr 2–When Angie and her dad arrive in Canada, they know very little English. She learns a lot in school, though, and helps her dad translate grocery store items and restaurant menus, and creates signs for his work as a janitor. Inspired by this experience, Angie decides to extend her help to community members by making signs in English for their businesses. However, when her signage for the laundromat doesn’t yield the expected results, it’s her father who comes to the rescue, bridging the gap between Hakka and Cantonese languages. Through vibrant cartoon-style illustrations and bilingual narrative, the author beautifully captures a tale of community solidarity and the unifying power of language. This heartwarming story highlights the collaborative efforts of an immigrant family striving for success. The book concludes with a thoughtful note explaining how Hakka and Cantonese differ and shedding light on the diverse linguistic styles within the Chinese language.