Apple Pie 4th of July

 

Bibliography

Wong, J. S., & Chodos-Irvine, M. (2006). Apple Pie Fourth of July. HMH Books for Young Readers. 

Plot Summary

A young Chinese-American girl attempts to convince her parents that no one wants to eat Chinese food on the fourth of July. 

Critical Analysis

This picture book describes the experience of a first Chinese-American girl trying to teach her immigrant parents the ways of American culture. “My parents do not understand all American things. They were not born here. Even though my father has lived here since he was twelve, even though my mother loves apple pie, I cannot expect them to know Americans do not eat Chinese food on the Fourth of July”. Her father insists that fireworks are Chinese as a way of explanation for why they continue to make and sell Chinese dishes. 

As the day goes on, it appears that the young girl is correct. “Two o’clock. The egg rolls are getting hard” and “Four o'clock and the noodles feel like shoelaces.” But as the evening arrives, she learns that she was wrong. People do want Chinese food on the Fourth of July! And when everything is said and done, the main character gets to enjoy her apple pie on the roof while watching the fireworks show. 

The illustrations (or pictures as indicated by the cover) are simplistic but offer a diverse cast of characters from the main character to her parents to the customers that visit the store - most notably the customers that visit at noon for soda and potato chips. 

The author offers up so much within this simple picture book - a young girl struggling with identity as a young Chinese-American with immigrant parents, popular Chinese dishes (sweet-and-sour pork, chow mein, etc.), and the traditions celebrated in her family (being closed only one day a year, for Christmas). This book serves as a window to the Chinese-American experience and provides necessary diversity in school libraries. 

Review Excerpt(s)

Charlotte Zolotow Award Nominee for Highly Commended Title (2003) 

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature for Children's Illustrator (2003)

"Vibrant, colorful . . . [An] excellent read-aloud."--Booklist 

Connections 

-Activities

• When you think of the 4th of July, what do you think of? Have students list what the 4th of July reminds them of. 

• Ask students how they celebrate the 4th of July, if they celebrate it. Maybe have them convey this information in their own picture book. 

• This would be an excellent novel to teach the theme with as the main character learns that she doesn’t know as much as she thinks she does. 

• This would also be a good book to teach plot with as it has an obvious turning point (when people start to come in and buy Chinese food).