♦This post contains affiliate links. You don’t pay any extra, and I make a small commission.♦

♦Please see my Disclosure tab for more information.♦

Book Review of Ming's Christmas Wishes by Susan L. Gong

As my long-time readers should know, I LOVE Christmas picture books. Well, I love all picture books, but I really love Christmas books. There’s just something about a Christmas picture book that brings out your inner child and the magic of Christmas. I love it! Ming’s Christmas Wishes by Susan L. Gong is no different. I love the different perspective that this book brings, and I love the beautiful illustrations. If you still need your new Christmas book this year, I highly recommend Ming’s Christmas Wishes!

Blurb:

“Ming wishes for three things at Christmas. First, to sing in the school Christmas choir. Second, to have a Christmas tree like the one in the department store window. And third, to feel she belongs somewhere.

As a daughter of immigrants in 1930s California, Ming is often treated differently than other children at school. She’s pointedly not invited to sing in the Christmas choir. At home, when Ming lobbies her parents for a Christmas tree, her mother scolds her for trying to be American. Ming doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere: she’s not quite American enough at school, not quite Chinese enough at home.

Seeing his daughter’s unhappiness, Pop takes her into the mountains to visit a wise old friend. Always happy for an adventure with her kind father, Ming hopes to persuade Pop to bring home a mountain pine to be their Christmas tree. But he has something else in mind, something that will help Ming draw strength from nature, from their Chinese heritage, and from deep and enduring family ties.”

My Book Review:

This heartwarming story pulls at your heartstrings! The beautiful illustrations bring the story to life and put you in 1930 California. I loved learning bout Ming and her family and traditions. My teacher heart broke when Ming wanted to sing in the choir and the teacher told her she couldn’t. Then my momma heart broke when I saw Ming’s mother’s face tell Ming she could not have a Christmas tree. I felt so bad that Ming didn’t feel like she belonged at home or at school. It’s definitely a good reminder for me as a mom and teacher to be sensitive to each child’s situation.

When you grow up with certain traditions and celebrations, it’s easy to think that everyone also celebrates that way. This book is a fabulous reminder that there are many different nationalities, ethnicities, religions, and kinds of people in the world. Along with that come many different holidays, celebrations, beliefs, and traditions. Even the neighbor next door could celebrate a special day very differently than you do. Be kind. Be open-minded. Be friendly. Be respectful. Be a learner. Be a good listener. Think of other people as you celebrate your way and be respectful as they celebrate the way they do.

My favorite part of this book was when Pop took Ming on a day’s adventure. Pop did a great job helping Ming see and understand her own traditions and how they could fit in with the traditions of those around her. I loved Pop’s solution! I loved this book (my 12 year-old daughter also loved it) and think it would make a great addition to any Christmas book collection.