It only took me an hour to read this, but it was intense. Between all the death, dismemberment, guilt, racism, violence and fear, there's baseball, piano playing, family dinners and lullabies. But that's what you get from books about the Vietnam War. Ann Burg's story doesn't shy away from gruesome details, but she also shows that life goes on.

I wasn't blown away by the writing (like I was by, say, [b:Out of the Dust|25346|Out Of The Dust|Karen Hesse|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1184485196s/25346.jpg|808243]). But it didn't make me roll my eyes (like, say, [b:Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba|6151004|Tropical Secrets Holocaust Refugees in Cuba|Margarita Engle|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255700915s/6151004.jpg|6330166]). I think the story was so moving because it rang true. It is difficult for most of us to imagine life as a Vietnamese boy adopted by a suburban American family in 1977. A boy who witnessed terrible things before being airlifted to a totally different world, a world where people blame him for the deaths of their loved ones. He tells his story as if he's just barely able to get through it. It's harrowing.

What age is this best for? That's a little tough. Matt, the narrator and main character, is 12 or so. There's no mature language, but there are enough disturbing scenes from war-torn Vietnam to make me think twice about giving this to a 10 or 11 year old. And the fact that the writing can be a little difficult to sort out makes me think it'd be best for 8th grade and up. It definitely requires a reader who is relatively skilled and mature.

Mock Newbery 2010
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3.5 Stars ( )

"All the Broken Pieces" was an emotional, haunting read that brought the horrors of the Vietnam War to life. I loved Matt's character and my heart bled for him. The author perfectly portrayed the guild and gratitude he felt after being airlifted out of his war torn country, and evacuated to the safety of America leaving his mother and younger brother behind.

Too often Matt blames himself for what happened, but gradually he learns to accept and forgive himself. I thought his foster parents were tow wonderful people who gave Matt security, support and unconditional love.

"All the Broken Pieces" explores loss, trauma and healing, using beautiful poetic language that effortlessly draws the reader in and floods them with vivid images. A wonderful find. ( )

This was a beautiful story about trauma, identity, family, and finding your way. It was especially moving because it captured an important historical and cultural moment in the years when Vietnam veterans were returning home - sometimes broken - to an angry and divided nation. The protagonist is a a refugee, a child brought to America for a better life. Incredibly touching. I listened on audiobook and I think the voice of the character was spot on. ( )