An American Girl Story -- Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Chinese-American tween embraces heritage in sweet story.
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An American Girl Story -- Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance
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What's the Story?
In AN AMERICAN GIRL STORY -- IVY & JULIE 1976: A HAPPY BALANCE, 10-year-old Ivy Ling (Nina Lu) is an aspiring gymnast with her sights set on a perfect performance at the upcoming city championships, so when it comes to light that the competition falls on the same day as her family's Chinese New Year celebration, her loyalties are torn and she's frustrated anew at the expectations that accompany her cultural heritage. Often she wishes she were more like her best friend, Julie Albright (Hannah Nordberg), an all-American kid with no need for Chinese school and forced family get-togethers for traditional holidays. As Ivy wrestles with a tough decision, this second-generation American gains new perspective on her family's adherence to tradition and eventually finds a better balance between her Chinese and American cultures.
Is It Any Good?
This thoughtful movie brings the timely matter of immigration into new focus that's refreshing, nonjudgmental, and perfect for families. Ivy struggles to reconcile her American identity with her Chinese heritage, and in so doing she's an honest example of assimilation as it's experienced by the children of immigrants. The story does an excellent job presenting different sides of the issue, from Ivy's heartfelt conversation with her grandparents about their immigrant experience to her parents' ties to their Chinese heritage in American society. And then there's Julie, who reminds Ivy that even without cultural complications, there's no such thing as the "perfect" American existence.
As an American Girl production, Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance has considerable commercial tie-ins that will appeal mostly to girls already aware of the brand in general and these characters in particular, but nothing in the movie raises the connection on its own. What it does offer is affirming family entertainment that can inspire conversations about growing up, making priorities, and following your dreams, as well as the importance of family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the commonalities and differences they notice between Ivy's family's culture and the general American one. Why is it so important to the characters in An American Girl Story -- Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance that they not lose touch with their Chinese heritage? Does your family incorporate touches of your heritage in your home or celebrations? What is the value of diversity in our society?
How does Ivy's situation complicate her coming of age? On the other hand, how does she discover it helps her better identify herself? What qualities or interests help define you?
What role models does Ivy have in her life? How does her mom's dedication to following her career goals inspire Ivy to follow her own dreams? What dreams do you have for your future?
How does your family keep the lines of communication open? Why is this important among people who care about each other? What other character strengths are important?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 24, 2017
- Cast: Nina Lu, Hannah Nordberg, Gwendoline Yeo
- Network: Amazon Prime Video
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
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