Half and Half
on Goodreads (319)
What’s inside...
Fiona Cheng is struggling with her mixed heritage as she looks more like her Chinese father than her Scottish mother, causing people to assume she identifies more with her Chinese half. As she navigates her identity, Fiona finds herself confused about who she really is. Praised for being a realistic, gentle, and funny tale, this story resonates with readers who have experienced similar struggles with fitting in and finding themselves.
Age
8-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Fiona Cheng
Ronald
Mom
Dad
Discussion points
How do you think Fiona felt when she was trying to balance both Chinese and American customs? Can you relate to a time you felt caught between two choices?
What did you learn about cooperation from Fiona and her brother’s planning of the Moon Festival party?
Why do you think understanding different cultures is important? How does it help us in daily life?
In what ways did Fiona and her family show resilience throughout the story?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book's themes, and connect them to their own experiences. Use the questions to draw parallels between the story and real life. Emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures, and discuss how this can be applied in your child's interactions with others. Recognize any emotional responses your child may have to the story and discuss these feelings openly and warmly. Lastly, celebrate the effort to understand complex themes like cultural identity, just as Fiona and her family did.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Identity
Explanation: In 'Half and Half', Fiona Cheng, who is half Chinese and half Scottish, learns to embrace both sides of her heritage. This journey helps her appreciate the richness that comes from being bi-cultural, facing different challenges that help her grow.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and take pride in their own unique backgrounds and cultures, fostering a sense of self-acceptance and belonging. This can be applied in diverse school environments, helping them connect with peers from various backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: The story showcases Fiona's interactions with her family, emphasizing how they support and learn from each other despite cultural differences. This dynamic highlights the unconditional love and support found in family ties.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to value and nurture family relationships, understanding the vital role families play in personal development and emotional support.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and Compromise
Explanation: Fiona encounters situations where she must negotiate between her Scottish and Chinese heritage, teaching her compromise and creative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop negotiation skills and the ability to find common ground in conflicting situations, both at home and school, promoting harmony and understanding.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Throughout 'Half and Half', Fiona faces various cultural and personal challenges. Her ability to persevere and find her identity teaches resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to remain strong and resilient when facing their own challenges, whether social, educational, or personal, fostering growth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity
Explanation: The book portrays the beauty of a blended cultural family, showing how diversity enriches our lives and expands our perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of embracing and celebrating diversity, instilling in children a respect for different cultures and perspectives in their community and beyond.