THE JADE BRACELET

A child realizes that the jade bracelet she received on her birthday is imbued with deep meaning.

“Bà Ngoại gave me one when I was little,” Má explains. “Now it’s my turn to give one to you.” Overjoyed, Tiên reflects on her memories with Bà Ngoại, her (now deceased) grandmother who emigrated from Vietnam. She proudly wears the jade to school the next day…until she sees the bracelets that her classmates are sporting—shimmering, sparkling pieces with beads and charms. Her self-consciousness over her “plain, hard-as-a-rock bracelet” boils over. She’s embarrassed to wear it on picture day, and after school, she flings the jade on the floor in frustration. Though Má gently explains that the jewelry brings good luck, keeps her safe, and, above all, serves as a connection to their ancestors, Tiên is unconvinced, and Má offers to buy her the butterfly bracelet she’s been longing for. When they reach the store, however, Má’s words sink in, and Tiên learns to fully appreciate the significance of the jade—and to see its true sparkle. Dinh’s contemplative, evenly paced narrative charts Tiên’s emotional journey, while Kang’s watercolors make inspired use of perspective and blended colors, bringing depth and texture to each tender scene.

A quietly charming and sincere exploration of a loving tradition.