Watercress
Watercress by Andrea Wang is a poignant exploration of heritage and memory, published by Holiday House on March 30, 2021. This first edition spans 32 pages and is presented in English. The story follows a young girl and her Chinese immigrant parents as they forage for watercress in Ohio, prompting a journey of self-discovery and connection to their roots. Through a bittersweet narrative, the girl grapples with her initial embarrassment over her family’s actions, ultimately learning to appreciate the significance of their shared experiences.
Readers will find a delicate portrayal of family history intertwined with themes of emigration and cultural identity. The narrative is complemented by Jason Chin’s evocative illustrations, which blend traditional Chinese techniques with Western media, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. An endnote from the author provides insight into her personal connection to the narrative, while an illustrator’s note reflects on the creative process and its significance. This book invites readers to reflect on the power of sharing memories, even the painful ones, and how they shape our understanding of family and belonging.
Official synopsis Publisher
Caldecott Medal Winner
Newbery Honor Book
APALA Award Winner
A story about the power of sharing memories—including the painful ones—and the way our heritage stays with and shapes us, even when we don’t see it.
New England Book Award Winner
A New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book
While driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl’s Chinese immigrant parents spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road. They stop the car, grabbing rusty scissors and an old paper bag, and the whole family wades into the mud to gather as much as they can.
At first, she’s embarrassed. Why can’t her family just get food from the grocery store, like everyone else? But when her mother shares a bittersweet story of her family history in China, the girl learns to appreciate the fresh food they foraged—and the memories left behind in pursuit of a new life.
Together, they make a new memory of watercress.
Author Andrea Wang calls this moving, autobiographical story “both an apology and a love letter to my parents.” It’s a bittersweet, delicate look at how sharing the difficult parts of our histories can create powerful new moments of family history, and help connect us to our roots.
Jason Chin’s illustrations move between China and the American Midwest and were created with a mixture of traditional Chinese brushes and western media. The dreamy, nostalgic color palette brings this beautiful story to life.
An endnote from the author describes her personal connection to the story, and an illustrator’s note touches on both the process of the painting, and the emotional meaning brought to the work.
New England Book Award Winner
A New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Wall Street Journal Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Boston Globe Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book
Winner of the Cybils Award
An SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Winner
A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year
An ALSC Notable Children’s Book
Named a best book of the year by Publishers Weekly, BookPage, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Lunch, Shelf Awareness , and more!
A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
An NPR ‘Book We Love!’
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
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