Some of the most beautiful gems of juvenile literature are those books by authors of color  so engaging and evocative that they can let young readers walk in the shoes of children who have to deal with very challenging experiences. Jane Kuo's Land Of Broken Promises is one of these.

     Anna and her parents are refugees from Taiwan.  Her parents own a restaurant where she works after school.  Her parents put big time pressure on her to succeed academically so she can work as a professional rather than working with her hands like them.  She has two choices: doctor or lawyer.

     Then a letter threatens to tear their world apart.  It's paperwork that they haven't filled in on time.  Suddenly they are in the precarious position of undocumented aliens.

     The narrative, told in verse, is tone perfect.  The details are well chosen.  The character of Anna springs to life on the page.  And the suspense is very real.

     Young readers will get real insight into one of the most contentious issues in America today and the effect it has on children like them.

Jules Hathaway