Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai presents a touching exploration of identity, heritage, and family through a young Vietnamese American girl's journey. Praised for its rich cultural insights and lyrical prose, the novel also faces critiques for its sometimes slow pacing. Ultimately, the emotional depth and relatable themes make it a worthwhile read for middle-grade audiences.

Readers who enjoyed Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai or The Thing About Luck by Cynthia Kadohata will cherish Listen, Slowly. This novel appeals to middle-grade readers interested in themes of cultural identity, family, and self-discovery, particularly those who enjoy heartfelt stories rooted in personal growth and multicultural experiences.

Twelve-year-old Mai Le from Laguna Beach reluctantly accompanies her grandmother to Vietnam to uncover what happened to her grandfather, who was a prisoner of war. During her stay, Mai forms a surprising friendship with a local girl and gains a deeper understanding of her heritage. Together, they navigate cultural differences and family history, ultimately finding closure and forging a stronger connection to their roots.

Contemplative / Emotional / Nostalgic / Bittersweet

- Thanhha Lai, the author of Listen, Slowly, is a National Book Award-winning writer, known for her debut novel Inside Out & Back Again which won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2011.
- Listen, Slowly takes readers into a rich exploration of Vietnamese culture, highlighting the nuances of bilingualism and identity, reflecting Lai’s own experiences as someone who moved from Vietnam to Alabama as a child.
- The book was highly praised for its vivid setting and emotional depth, earning a spot as a New York Times Book Review Notable Book and receiving starred reviews from publications like Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly.

**Mai**  
A 12-year-old California girl who reluctantly travels to Vietnam with her grandmother, initially focused on her disrupted summer plans but gradually discovering the richness of her cultural heritage.

**Bà**  
Mai’s grandmother, a resilient and wise matriarch who fled Vietnam after the war, returns to her homeland seeking closure about her husband and reconnects with her roots.

**Út**  
The first teenager Mai meets in Vietnam, initially perceived as an outsider, who gradually becomes a close friend and encourages Mai to embrace her authentic self.

**Anh Minh**  
An older cousin studying in Texas who helps Mai interpret language and cultural nuances, while imparting valuable lessons about Vietnamese culture and history.

**The Detective**  
An enigmatic, elderly man whose investigation provides the impetus for Bà's journey to Vietnam, playing a crucial role in unfolding the story and teaching Mai about patience and respect.

Thanhha Lai

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Listen, Slowly

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