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The Gold-Threaded Dress
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"A fine novel for early independent readers that conveys lots of information - about Thailand and making friends." - NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEWIn Thailand she was named Oy, but here in America the teachers call her Olivia. Other things are not so easy to change, however. When Oy draws a portrait of herself with brown hair and eyes as round as coins, her classmate Frankie makes fun of her and calls her Chinese. And the popular girl Liliandra barely speaks to her, until she learns that Oy has something very special: a Thai dancing dress from her grandmother, shimmering with pink silk and golden threads, that makes her look like a princess. Will Oy risk shaming her family to win Liliandra's approval - and be part of the club she has envied from afar? With compassion and rare insight, Carolyn Marsden tells a simple tale about a young girl who searches for acceptance in a complex culture, while learning to treasure all that she is.

Lexile Measure: 710L (What's this?)

Paperback: 80 pages

Publisher: Candlewick; Reprint edition (February 14, 2006)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0763629936

ISBN-13: 978-0763629939

Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.2 x 7.6 inches

Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #431,549 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #194 in Books > Children's Books > Geography & Cultures > Multicultural Stories > Asian & Asian American #241 in Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Moving #379 in Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Difficult Discussions > Prejudice & Racism

Age Range: 7 - 9 years

Grade Level: 2 - 4

From Candlewick Press comes this engaging, easy-to-read story of fourth grader Oy, a Thai-American student new to a predominantly Mexican-American school, who struggles to fit in with the popular clique. The understated yet poignant description of the girls tearing apart Oy's precious family heirloom was especially moving. Readers will sympathize with Oy's desire to find a friend and enjoy the glimpses of wry humor, which is especially prized in Thai culture. The book weaves in other lovely details about Thai traditions like dance, cuisine, and cultural gatherings.Oy's benevolent, wise parents calmly guide her through the dilemma and act as her advocates in the school. This doesn't always happen in immigrant families, especially when a principal's public reprimand is seen as bringing shame on the whole family. My parents, for example, would have hit the roof! However, Oy's unquestioning devotion to her parents is common among pre-adolescent immigrants, and the cool-headedness, or "jai-yen," of her parents is certainly a prized Thai trait. (My fourth-grade son, who loved living in Thailand, devoured this book in one day, even taking it to school in spite of the 'girly' cover).

The Gold-Threaded Dress tells the story of Oy, a little Thai girl who has started at a new school in America. Oy faces many difficulties trying to fit in at school. To begin with, her teacher calls her Olivia, her American name, instead of Oy. In addition, a boy in her class, Frankie, keeps saying that she is Chinese and the many Mexican-American students at the school begin to call her Chinita (Spanish for little Chinese). The situation becomes worse when Liliandra, the most popular girl in class, sees a picture of Oy in a beautiful Thai dress and offers her membership into her exclusive club if she brings the dress to school for her to try on.This book is appropriate for ages 8 and 9. Children in this age range will be able to relate to the issues the book deals with, such as peer pressure and wanting to fit in. They are also beginning to develop empathy for others, and will show concern for Oy's feelings. I would use this book as a read-aloud in a school setting as part of a discussion about cultural awareness and appreciating differences. I would also recommend this book for pleasure reading.

Marsden's Gold Threaded Dress honestly, authentically shows the dilemma of young people who must straddle two cultures and learn to honor their own needs as well as navigate the traditions of both cultures. The school situations in young Oy's story could be taken from any school in the U.S, yet they ring as the young girl's personal truth. Marsden's skillful storytelling moves the reader through the story with an even flow and Oy's anguish over the spoiled dress becomes our own. The resolution is generously told. Readers young and old will look forward to Marsden's next books.

This book is about a little girl named Oy. She moved to America with her family from Thailand. A mean kid from school named Frankie would tease her just because the way she looks and her religious background. He would say "Chinese girl." Oy would say "stop I'm not Chinese" but Frankie would still tease her. One day she dropped her backpack in school a lovely picture of her in a pink threaded dress with a hair piece and jewelry fell out. The most popular girl saw it. Her name was Lilindra. Lilindra had a club and Oy wanted to be in it so badly. Lilindra said I will let you be in the club if you let me try on that dress.Well I bet you're wondering what she did. I�m not going to tell you. You're just going to have to figure it out yourself by reading The Gold Threaded Dress.I think you should read this book. It's really good.

From the engaging cover art, including the photo of the demur Thai child in her gold threaded dress and the elegant border design to the convincing whisps of lint on the end pages, this story pivots on beauty: first the superficial attraction of the elegant and the inner beauty which surfaces in Oy as she defends her family and culture against the blunt ignorance of her classmates who capriciously may or may not include her.Marsden's deft language, telling just enough, captures the reader with this authentic tale of the poignancy of the first days of school when kids posture for position in their group. Gold threaded Dress is a joy to hold in the hand and the heart.

I bought this book for my 9 yr old daughter. She recently started reading some of Carolyn Marsden books. She likes her characters and storytelling. She also noted that she likes there is also some kind of life lesson.

Great story! Excellent resource! As a primary ESL teacher, I would highly recommend this audio books to others. The story itself engages both young and old listeners alike into this child's experiences at her new school. There are several "teachable moments" that you as an educator can use as a springboard for both primary and upper elementary student discussions. Please consider adding this book to your classroom library!

Oy is trying to fit in. One day, a picture of her in a special dress is seen by the other girls. She is invited to be in the "it" crowd only if she brings the dress for them to try on. This story is a charming story of a child reconciling her Thai heritage and being an American. It is predictable, but it is unique in that the other children are identified as having immigrant heritage as much as the main character, which seems to have the accuracy of Southern Californian situations. It is a brief glimpse into the Thai American experience. Children will find it easy to read. It offers an American perspective that is not often viewed.

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