The House Baba Built

Bibliography

Young, E. (2011).THE HOUSE BABA BUILT: AN ARTIST'S CHILDHOOD IN CHINA. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0-316-07628-9.

Plot Summary

THE HOUSE BABA BUILT is a memoir picture book about Ed Young growing up in Shanghai, China, during World War II. He tells about the house his Baba built to help protect their family. The story also tells about how Ed and his siblings still play, learn, and live safely inside their large house as the world is affected by the war. 

Critical Analysis

THE HOUSE BABA BUILT is a strong Asian culture book because it follows author Ed Young's childhood in Shanghai, China, and gives a personal look at a Chinese family during World War II. One of the strongest culture markers and focus of the story is family. The family creates safety and joy for one another during a dangerous time. 

Ed Young's background helps the story by creating authenticity. He was born in China and later moved to the United States, so his writing is personal and meaningful to the culture. The illustrations are also very important to this book. Young uses a collage of multiple types of artwork and media, making it feel like a scrapbook of memories. All together, it provides readers with a realistic view of the culture and Young's childhood.

Overall, this book is quite meaningful because it honors Chinese families during a tragic moment of history, providing a new perspective. 

Review Excerpts

"Those wanting historical or cultural background will need supplements, though. Sophisticated, inventive art invites close viewings for patient readers in this unusual family story." Kirkus, starred review.

"The text smoothly combines the story's elements, integrating an adult s understanding with a child s experiences." Booklist, starred review.

Connections

This book would work well in a World War II unit when focusing on the life of others outside of the US. It can also be used as part of an art lesson to show how pictures can tell a story from memory. Students could create their own stories based on childhood memories in a similar manner.