Narrative nonfiction's are a powerful part of literature.  They can bridge the gap between fiction and nonfiction readers, leading each group to explore the other.  When I read I like to get 'lost' in the story, which isn't a typical reaction to a nonfiction book. But a narrative nonfiction does just that- I feel invested in a character, I hurt for them and I root for them.  It was after I started reading narrative nonfiction that I found myself looking at more nonfiction books.  I've always loved reading cookbooks, crafting, sewing, and gardening books, procedural and informative.  It was information I could readily put to use.  However, now when I read a narrative nonfiction I am left wanting to know more about the history, facts or events in the book- and that is the power of this genre of books! The fiction reader is now looking for nonfiction explanatory texts.  I also believe narrative nonfiction books are great read alouds or discussion books for classroom learning.  When students can relate to a character they most likely want to know more, cue discussion and research in the topic.

My latest narrative nonfiction read was Too Young To Escape.  I didn't know what to expect, I certainly didn't expect to feel such strong emotions around the decision Van's mother was forced to make. This books forces the reader to think about the decision she made as well as Van's fathers decision when he fled, and the outward actions of her aunt and uncle.  The risks they all took and the courage every member of the family have.

"She's gone to Canada to be with your Ba and Linh." Ba Ngoai explained to Van when she asked if her Ma was home yet.  Marsha Skrypuch, author of Too Young To Escape, first wrote Adrift at Sea, telling the story of Vans brother Tuan Ho, who escaped Vietnam with his mother and two sisters by boat.  Skrypuch and her readers always came back to ask the question, what happened to Van?  The result was the collaboration between Skrypuch and Vanessa Ho Gatensby to tell Van's story of being left behind and the eventual reunion with her immediate family.  The book focuses on Van and her relationship with only three members of her family left in Vietnam.  I appreciate that Skrypuch mentions later in her notes that she left out other extended family members to keep the focus and clarity of the book on Van's narrative.  Follow up interviews with Van's father and mother are also shared at the end.  This gives readers a better glimpse into the turmoil that her parents faced with each decision they made.

Too Young to Escape would be a great addition to a collection on immigration or the Vietnam war.  This along with books such as Americanized: Rebel without a Green Card, The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees, The Turtles of Oman and Caravan to the North: Misael's Long Walk all open discussion to the reasons, struggles  and issues raised with immigration.  While of each of this books focus on different aspects of immigration, discussed together they would cover many facts of immigration

Van was just 4 years old when her ma and siblings escaped Vietnam in the middle of the night. Her grandmother was left to break the news to her. 

Photos of Van taken by her Aunt Di. I find these pictures show the love her aunt had for her, even if she didn't feel it as a guest in their house.  Understanding the consequences of the Vietnam war was more than Van comprehend as a child.  

Extension activities could include http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/ highlighting how immigration is a major part of American history and is still an ongoing part of American history https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/newamericans/foreducators_index.html.

While Too Young To Escape written for 8-12 year olds and has a lexile level of 740 I believe it could be stretched to higher grades for a lesson on immigration as it provides a broader diversity that isn't immediately considered when we think of immigration today.

Too Young To Escape won a 2018 NCTA Freeman Book Award: Young Adult/Middle School Literature Honorable Mention and was listed on the 2019 USBBY Outstanding International Books List selection, the 2019 ILA Notable Books for a Global Society selection as well as other book lists and nominations for awards in 2020.

Ho, V. & Skrypuch, M.F. (2018). Too young to escape. Toronto, ON: Pajamapress