The Counterfeit Family Tree of Vee Crawford-Wong
on Goodreads (212)
What’s inside...
When Vee Crawford-Wong is assigned a family history essay, he struggles due to his parents' refusal to discuss his ancestors. He fabricates the information, leading to a series of personal crises including fights, loss of friendships, and academic failures. Feeling misunderstood, Vee fakes a letter from his Chinese grandparents, prompting a trip to China with his father. There, Vee discovers that the understanding he seeks about his identity is not as far as he once thought.
Age
13-14
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Vee Crawford-Wong
Discussion points
How does Vee's search for his identity influence his relationships with others in the story?
What role do Vee's friends and family play in his journey of self-discovery?
How do the themes of heritage and culture shape Vee's decisions throughout the book?
What were some of the challenges Vee faced, and how did he overcome them?
In what ways can you relate to Vee's feelings and experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely and make connections to their own life. Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of understanding one's heritage. Highlight the significance of perseverance and self-discovery as demonstrated by Vee.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Discovery
Explanation: The protagonist, Vee Crawford-Wong, embarks on a journey to explore his heritage, leading to significant self-discovery and acceptance of his multicultural identity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and embrace their own backgrounds and cultures, fostering a sense of pride and self-acceptance.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, Vee learns the consequences of deceit as he fabricates a family history assignment, ultimately understanding the value of truth.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of honesty in building trust and integrity in relationships.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: The story highlights the complex dynamics within families and how, despite challenges, family connections can offer profound support and love.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of maintaining family relationships, navigating challenges with empathy and understanding.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Vee faces various personal challenges and learns to navigate them with resilience, growing stronger in the process.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of resilience and the ability to recover from setbacks while pursuing personal goals.