Description
An affecting sequel to Last Airlift: A Vietnamese Orphan's Rescue from War. Tuyet cannot believe her good fortune. Brought up in a Vietnamese orphanage and rescued from the invading North Vietnamese army, she has been adopted by a kind and loving family in Canada. Tuyet feels safe at last as she adjusts to a new language and unfamiliar customs. But polio has left her with a weak leg, and her foot is turned inward, making walking painful and difficult. There is only one answer; she must have a series of operations. Her dread of doctors and hospitals brings back troubling memories of helicopters, a field hospital, and another operation in Vietnam. It won't stop Tuyet, despite her fears and her overwhelming shyness. She has always dreamed of having two straight legs, of walking and running, of playing with other children, of owning a pair of shoes that actually match. Now that she has been given a chance, Tuyet is determined to do what it takes to finally stand on her own two feet.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 8 to 12
- Grade:
- 3 to 7
Awards
- Commended, The Booklist Reader "The Refugee Experience for Children and Young Adults" selection
- Commended, Bank Street Best Books of the Year for Children and Young Adults
- Winner, OLA Silver Birch Nonfiction Award
- Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award
Editorial Reviews
One Step at a Time is a good choice for sensitive young readers interested in non-fiction about other children, other cultures, and recent history . . . The book is likely to encourage many questions and wide-ranging discussion in a reading group, and the story is highly likeable.
— Resource Links
Skrypuch . . . does a good job of portraying Tuyet's feelings as she faces the uncertainties of a new country, a new home and frightening surgery.
— Winnipeg Free Press
The cover of the book and the red shoes pictured take on a very special meaning by the end of this heart-warming book that will leave readers in tears.
— International Reading Association Reading Today Online
Along with the true personal story, the facts about polio across the globe, past and present, will grip readers.
— ALA Booklist
About One Step at a Time: A Vietnamese Child Finds Her Way
2014 OLA Silver Birch Nonfiction Award Winner
2013 Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award shortlist
2018 The Booklist Reader "The Refugee Experience for Children and Young Adults" selection
2014 Bank Street Best Books of the Year for Children and Young Adults selection
2013 Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens selection
"Readers [who enjoyed Last Airlift] will be just as riveted to this quieter but no-less-moving story as Tuyet bravely dreams of being able to run and play..."—The Horn Book Magazine
"An inspiring story that will appeal to a wide audience."—School Library Journal
"Readers of this moving refugee story will celebrate as well."—Kirkus Reviews
"Along with the true personal story, the facts about polio across the globe, past and present, will grip readers."—Booklist
"Tuyet's quiet perseverance is inspiring..."—Publishers Weekly
"The cover of the book and the red shoes pictured take on a very special meaning by the end of this heart-warming book that will leave readers in tears."—International Reading Association Reading Today Online
"One Step at a Time is a good choice for sensitive young readers interested in non-fiction about other children, other cultures, and recent history...The book is likely to encourage many questions and wide-ranging discussion in a reading group, and the story is highly likeable."—Resource Links
"...as a poignant story of compassion, perseverance and recovery, Skrypuch's writing provides a platform for opening a dialogue on the repercussions of war and violence, as well as global health in regard to polio. As such, the story is perfect for bringing together multiple generations of readers."—The International Examiner
"Skrypuch...does a good job of portraying Tuyet's feelings as she faces the uncertainties of a new country, a new home and frightening surgery."—Winnipeg Free Press
"Step by step, Skrypuch shows with forthright clarity how Tuyet becomes her own very best hero."—Booksdragon, Smithsonian Asian Pacific America Center
"Readers 8 to 11 years old will marvel at Tuyet's perseverance and laugh at moments when she reveals her unfamiliarity with Canadian customs, such as when Tuyet doesn't understand why her first-ever birthday cake is 'on fire.'"—Good News Toronto
— Publisher
"…as a poignant story of compassion, perseverance and recovery, Skrypuch’s writing provides a platform for opening a dialogue on the repercussions of war and violence, as well as global health in regard to polio. As such, the story is perfect for bringing together multiple generations of readers."
— The International Examiner
Readers 8 to 11 years old will marvel at Tuyet's perseverance and laugh at moments when she reveals her unfamiliarity with Canadian customs, such as when Tuyet doesn't understand why her first-ever birthday cake is 'on fire.'
— Good News Toronto
Tuyet's quiet perseverance is inspiring . . .
— Publishers Weekly
Readers [who enjoyed Last Airlift] will be just as riveted to this quieter but no-less-moving story as Tuyet bravely dreams of being able to run and play . . .
— The Horn Book Magazine
Readers of this moving refugee story will celebrate as well.
— Kirkus Reviews
An inspiring story that will appeal to a wide audience.
— School Library Journal
Step by step, Skrypuch shows with forthright clarity how Tuyet becomes her own very best hero.
— Booksdragon, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Buy this book at:
Annotations
Librarian review
One Step at a Time: A Vietnamese Child Finds Her Way
Vietnamese-born Tuyet has escaped her war-torn homeland and found a loving family in Canada.Tuyet dreams of running and playing with her adopted siblings, but her leg has been weakened and twisted by polio. Can she face her fear of hospitals and the traumatic memories they awaken if it means walking in matching shoes at last?
This sequel to the Last Airlift describes a young girl’s experiences when settling into a new home, with which many young readers who have moved to a new environment will identify. This non-fiction selection will likely build sensitivity to understanding other cultures and the turbulent lives that many refugees face. Readers will also cheer for protagonist Tuyet as she undergoes surgeries that will allow her to walk on her own.
Teacher’s guide available (http://pajamapress.ca/resource/one_step_at_a_time_teaching_guide/)
Also available: Last Airlift: A Vietnamese Orphan's Rescue from War by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Author available for class visits. @MarshaSkrypuch
Source: Association of Canadian Publishers. Top Grade Selection 2016.
