Poetry 5603

BOOK REVIEW
GOOD LUCK GOLD
And Other Poems
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Wong, Janet S. 1994. GOOD LUCK GOLD AND OTHER POEMS. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN 0689506171.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
GOOD LUCK GOLD, is an selection of poems by Janet Wong, and it brings light to first and second generation immigrants in the Asian heritage. These are valuable experiences to share with others ranging from family traditions, discrimination, divorce, alcoholism, and responsibilities. Each poem has a title, vary in length, and create strong feelings in the reader because of their direct language that speaks to the soul. This wonderful collection of poems will speak to the millions of children in this country who come from the Asian-and other-cultures. These children are normally viewed with some form of prejudice. This collection of poems will help others to become acceptant of their peers cultures and backgrounds.
3. CRITICAL SUMMARY

These poems form vivid pictures in the readers mind because they are honest and easy to understand. Ms. Wong shares her own experiences of being subjected to racism, stereotypes, and family. GOOD LUCK GOLD offers a variety of poems in length; some of these poems only have three lines while other are a page long, and others are written in haiku form. Some of these poems do not rhyme and others sound as if a conversation is taking place.

These poems are definitely to be read aloud and lend themselves to upper elementary through high school to teach culture sensitivity and tolerance, learn about other cultures, and respect for other cultures. Some poems in this collection bring light in to the Chinese and Korean families and how they cope with dangers situations of discrimination and racism. In the last poem of the selection TO CAGED BIRDS AT THE POULTRY STORE, Ms. Wong makes reference to the ducks at the bottom of suffocating pile. “Though waiting at the bottom’s tough, just when you have had enough you’ll see the butcher’s hands reach in—and trust me, you’re the ones who win.” A metaphor for the struggles and discrimination faced by many new Americans, it is best to stay out of sight without being notice than to be noticed and in danger.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal: “Children who live in cities with Chinese-American populations will recognize some of the images described--the ducks hanging in grocery-store windows, dim sum stands, parades with firecrackers and dragons. For others, these pieces provide an introduction to the sights and sounds of Chinese-American neighborhoods.”
Booklist: “Fresh, honest, and not at all reverential, these poems are simple dramatic monologues about growing up Asian American. The lines are short and very easy to read; the voices are strongly personal.”

CONNECTIONS
This collection is a starting point for students to research the Asian-American culture and its traditions.