Hale's multimedia illustrations show dancers in classic poses wearing happy, serene faces, while cleverly interwoven iconic elements, such as costumes and relief sculptures, highlight Cambodian culture. This fictionalized story of hope and resilience, inspired by Sophany's experiences and retold in Khmer on the endpapers, will speak to young readers while introducing them to Cambodian culture and recent history. -Booklist
Sophany's life, and this delightful book, is a reminder that beauty will eventually triumph over darkness and violence. While there are many of us who have turned to the law to right the wrongs of the Khmer Rouge, this book illustrates the healing power of art, in all its facets. -Beth Van Schaack, Leah Kaplan Visiting Professor in Human Rights, Stanford Law School
Dance is a means to tell stories across cultures and in The Cambodian Dancer: Sophany's Gift of Hope, we discover how it can also be used as a way to overcome immense pain and loss. Daryn Reicherter's moving story and Christy Hale's beautiful illustrations introduce us to Sophany Bay and show us how central dance was to her life. When she was forced to leave Cambodia, dance became the means for her to heal and help others connect with the culture. This is an important book that reminds us all that no matter what happens, we need to live. We need to dance. -award-winning author, John Coy
The textured, mixed-media illustrations add intrigue to the story told in simple sentences. They convey emotion and provide context for the history provided. -School Library Journal
Sophany's inspiring story of resilience is gracefully animated by Christy Hale's illustration. The book's images seem to glide, glitter, and gently smile, evoking the spirit of Cambodian culture, preserved in its dance. -Mark Reibstein, New York Times Best-selling author of Wabi-Sabi
Christy Hale's bright, expressive art delights and educates, spanning cultures and continents to bring the story of Cambodian dance to American readers. A beautifully rendered exploration of Sophany's journey. -Bestselling author/illustrator Lisa Brown
Reicherter has written a gentle story that confronts diaspora, refugees, and survival through the eyes of a brave and talented young woman. -Asian Fortune News
As a Khmer Rouge survivor, I find Dr. Daryn Reicherter did a fascinating job sharing the amazing story of Sophany's powerful will to survive and revive her skills in the face of evil. Her resiliency and strength will empower the young leaders to strive and thrive regardless of their challenges in life. -Chan Hopson, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Khmer Parent Association