Module 4 Book Review #4: The House Baba Built: An Artist’s Childhood in China

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*This book review was written for a MLS course at SHSU.*

Image result for the house baba built

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Young, Ed and Koponen, Libby. (2011). THE HOUSE BABA BUILT: AN ARTIST’S CHILDHOOD IN CHINA. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316076289.

PLOT SUMMARY
As China was becoming in more danger as World War II went on, all Eddy’s Baba wanted to do was move his family to somewhere safe. As part of a compromise, he was allowed to build a huge house with various facilities. Over time, Baba’s own family, extended family, and others remained safe as they played games, eat, continued education, and so much more while together. The house is what they all had in common when it came to joy and hope, especially in the environment they were in.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This autobiography is an actual representation on how a parent can step up to make sure to protect their family from danger. Baba initially built the house for his immediate family; however, over time, others were invited to stay (even strangers). He opened up his home to the others out of understanding and just simply from the kindness of his heart. This is where a theme of the importance of family comes in, for he definitely made sure everybody’s minds were off the war and their basic living needs were fulfilled. In addition to this, this work also represents how “home is where the heart is”. The children and even the adults made the best of their time during the war, for they created many memories they will forever look back on. This is truly a treasure to read.

The way the illustrations are set up is remarkable and captivating, for there isn’t really a standard and consistent form that was used. For example, on some pages, beautiful and light pastel sketches of the author’s family members are drawn. On other pages, only their silhouettes are shown and usually outlined in color, which helps the reader infer how much they are enjoying what they’re doing just by how their body is positioned. However, there is so much than just regular drawings. Young and Koponen added a collage-feel collection on some parts, usually representing the Chinese culture, their environment, or any historical figures. In addition to this, actual photos are incorporated. If you really look at it, the book appears to be one giant and colorful scrapbook, which makes sense considering the fact that Young is looking back on a time in his life that contained hardships yet also had many cherished moments. It’s interactive (i.e. the several flaps) to a point to where the reader can feel and admire what big of influence Baba and his house had on his son.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
*Publishers Weekly Review: “It’s history at its most personal.”
*Kirkus ReviewsReview: “Sophisticated, inventive art invites close viewings for patient readers in this unusual family story.”
*Horn Book Review:This handsome, multileveled book is among this master’s best, printed on paper sturdy enough to survive the numerous perusals its many gatefolds will surely receive.

CONNECTIONS
*During a World War II unit, students can read The House Baba Built: An Artist’s Childhood in China  and analyze the story’s setting and the struggles that were present.
*Drawing From Memoryby Allen Say is another autobiography in which recounted events from World War II are written about.
*Students can complete an art project to represent a significant event that happened in their life. They can use cut-outs, watercolors, draw sketches, and more to fulfill their message just like in the book.

 PICTURE SOURCE
https://www.amazon.com/House-Baba-Built-Artists-Childhood/dp/B009NPKB16

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