Duck for Turkey Day

Plot Summary

It's almost Thanksgiving, and Tuyet is excited about the holiday and the vacation from school.  There's just one problem: her Vietnamese American family is having duck for Thanksgiving dinner - not turkey!  Nobody has duck for Thanksgiving - what will her teacher and the other kids think? 

To her surprise, Tuyet enjoys her yummy thanksgiving dinner anyhow - and an even bigger surprise is waiting for her at school on Monday.  Dinners from roast beef to lamb to enchiladas adorned the Thanksgiving tables of her classmates, but all the celebrations had something in common - family! 

Kids from families with different traditions will enjoy this warm story about "the right way" to celebrate an American holiday.

Awards

2012 Washington State Children's Book Award Nominee; 2012-2013 Volunteer State (Tennessee) Book Award Master List; A 2010 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People

Reviews

"A lighthearted reminder about multicultural traditions during the holidays." Publishers Weekly

"Mitter’s acrylic illustrations, in clear bright colors and simple shapes, capture the warmth of the holiday bustle and the affection among family members..." Booklist

"This sweet tale is written in straightforward prose and provides a brief glimpse of another culture. Mitter’s bright illustrations accented with cozy details draw readers into Tuyet’s happy home and enhance the story’s heartwarming message." School Library Journal

"This is a perfect book for reading aloud and discussion in lower elementary classrooms. Bright, clear illustrations compliment the open-minded message." ForeWord

"Jules has created a story with a warm, gentle voice. Colorful, realistic, and eye-catching illustrations are perfect for a read-aloud.This is a non-traditional holiday book with a unique niche."
Library Media Connection

"Local author Jacqueline Jules pens a tale of tolerance and diversity that will resonate with young students and families no matter their heritage. Illustrator Kathryn Mitter limns a many-hued classroom that adheres not to the melting pot but tot he woks, frying pans and vegan asserole dishes of contemporary America."
Children's Literature

Associated Keywords
Thanksgiving; Vietnamese; American; culture; tradition; family; holiday