Crítics Matiners

With gentleness and empathy, this beautiful story follows a young boy as he learns how a word that may seem funny to one person can be hurtful to another.

"When Words Have Power by Lisa Chong, illus. by Kaitlin Yang, follow[s] an Asian American boy who learns about the power of words during his everyday encounters."
—Publishers Weekly, Fall 2022 Children's Sneak Previews

Henry and his mother plan a special day together, which includes going to the Chinese market. But there they overhear someone calling them a strange name: "banana." Henry doesn't understand. A banana is just a piece of fruit. What's the big deal? And what does the name even mean?

From debut author Lisa Chong and illustrator Kaitlin Yang, When Words Have Power reveals the powerful effect microaggressions and name calling can have and instead shows young readers how a little kindness and respect can lead to new friendships and stronger relationships with loved ones.