Finding Papa
Book Summary:
Finding Papa tells the story of a young Vietnamese girl whose father leaves home to seek safety and opportunity during the Vietnam War. As she waits and grows, she holds onto memories, stories, and hope until their eventual reunion. The book explores themes of migration, separation, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family.
Recommended Questions:
What historical events led to Papa leaving his home during the Vietnam War?
What risks did he take in making that decision? How do Maie and her mother also demonstrate bravery?
How does the Vietnam War shape the family’s experience in the story? How might it shape the experiences of other families?
How can major historical events affect families for generations?
The story describes individuals and organizations that helped the Mai’s family. In the author’s note, Angela Pham Krans explains that this story is based on her family’s experience and names specific organizations that supported them. Research these and or other organizations that helped Vietnamese refugees. What roles did they play in providing safety, transportation, and resettlement?
Why is refugee support still important in the modern world?
What organizations help refugees today, and why are they important?
What responsibilities do you think governments and communities should have toward displaced families today?
NCSS Theme 2: Time, Continuity and Change
This book situates a personal family story within the historical context of the Vietnam War and refugee migration. Students learn how large historical events shape individual lives across time and generations. The story demonstrates how families adapt and preserve continuity even amid war and displacement.
Social Justice Anchor Standard 15: History of social justice
Finding Papa introduces students to the historical context of the Vietnam War and the refugee crisis that followed, highlighting the experiences of families displaced by conflict. The story encourages students to recognize refugees as part of broader global movements shaped by war, policy, and humanitarian response. Through this lens, students can explore the roles of governments, aid organizations, and communities in responding to displacement and advocating for human rights.
WA History 1: Understands historical chronology
Finding Papa helps students place personal family experiences within the chronological timeline of the Vietnam War and the refugee migration that followed. By understanding when the war occurred and how events unfolded over time, students see how historical moments led to separation, displacement, and eventual resettlement. The story supports building a timeline of events and recognizing how individual lives are shaped by broader historical periods.
