As a Vietnamese refugee, I have been telling my daughter about the similarities with what happened in the book as well as my "real" life experiences in Vietnam. It is very interesting that we may all come from different parts of the world but we share in the same thoughts, emotions, aspirations. I hope that you will do more on the history of what led to the turmoil. I believe it is important to help our children as well as ourselves to understand why peopole are here. By understanding why people come to the United States, it helps us have a greater appreciation for them as well as being "American".