The House That Lou Built
The House That Lou Built
Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco, California • 2010s
2018
Adult
9-12 years
Super Short Summary
In The House That Lou Built by Mae Respicio, twelve-year-old Lucinda "Lou" Bulosan-Nelson, a biracial Filipina-American girl, dreams of building a tiny house on the land her deceased father left her to alleviate her family's crowded living situation and preserve their sense of community.
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Hopeful
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
1,066 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The House That Lou Built by Mae Respicio receives praise for its heartwarming portrayal of family, cultural heritage, and a young girl’s determination to build her own tiny house. Critics appreciate its engaging narrative and relatable protagonist. Some feel the plot is predictable, but the overall positive message and engaging writing style shine through.
Who Should Read The House That Lou Built?
Readers who enjoy The House That Lou Built by Mae Respicio will likely appreciate stories featuring strong, young protagonists navigating cultural identity and personal growth. Similar to Front Desk by Kelly Yang and Wonder by R.J. Palacio, this book appeals to middle graders with a penchant for heartfelt, character-driven narratives.
1,066 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The House That Lou Built by Mae Respicio has won multiple accolades, including being named a 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book for Children's Literature.
The novel features a strong focus on Filipino culture, reflecting Mae Respicio's own heritage and providing readers with an introduction to Filipino customs and traditions.
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Mae Respicio's debut novel, The House That Lou Built, skillfully incorporates themes of architecture and craftsmanship, inspired by her own father's work as a carpenter.
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240
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco, California • 2010s
2018
Adult
9-12 years
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