Top 10 Best Vietnamese Literary Works About Childhood

"Give Me a Ticket to My Childhood" is a novel by writer Nguyễn Nhật Ánh. The story is told through the simple, natural, and charming voice of the character Mùi. The plot revolves around the small, everyday situations in the lives of four children: Tủn, Tí sún, Hải cò, and Mùi. Reading this book, you’ll likely find yourself amused and nostalgic as it brings to life thoughts and moments you once experienced: drinking from a bottle is far better than a cup, or eating rice from a basin is a thousand times tastier than eating from a bowl... The story truly brings back the sweet memories of childhood, filling you with laughter and also a deep sense of emotion as you reflect back on those times.

Composer Nguyễn Mạnh Hoàng also created a beautiful song of the same name: http://mp3.zing.vn/bai-hat/Cho-Toi-Xin-Mot-Ve-Di-Tuoi-Tho-Lynk-Lee/ZW669EEU.html

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When it comes to war and the tears of childhood, no one has depicted it more masterfully than writer Phùng Quán. "The Fierce Childhood" is a literary work that has withstood the test of time and war, once serving as the bedside book for countless generations.

The story narrates the life, struggle, and heroic sacrifices of young teenagers, aged 13 and 14, in the ranks of the Trần Cao Vân Youth Scout Brigade. The focus is on characters like Lượm, Mừng, Quỳnh sơn ca, Vịnh, and others — children too young to be soldiers but with a fighting spirit and courage that equals that of any adult. Each has their own unique background, talent, and personality, yet they are united by their patriotism, their love for the country, and their unwavering commitment to fight for independence. Despite the sound of gunfire and bombs, these children never regret nor hesitate in their fight for the nation's freedom. Reading "The Fierce Childhood", you'll find excitement, humor, and moments of deep emotion. In 1989, the book was adapted into a movie of the same name.

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Once again, a novel by writer Nguyễn Nhật Ánh, "I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass" is a collection of diary entries detailing the life and thoughts of Thiều, a 7th-grade boy from a poor rural area.

The story recounts a difficult childhood where his parents were often away working, yet it was still filled with beauty, joy, and innocence. Through Thiều's narration, we are introduced to his younger brother Tường, a kind, dreamy, and compassionate boy; Mận, a gentle, sensitive girl with an artistic soul; and other characters like Đàn, Vinh, Uncle Tám Tàng, and Teacher Nhãn. The stories are simple yet captivating, from the tale of the Frog being the Lord’s nephew to scenes of house fires, hunger, and floods. These heartfelt narratives draw readers of all ages into the charm of childhood. With its natural and straightforward storytelling, this work is a wonderful journey back to one's youth. The book was also adapted into a film in 2015.

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"Closing My Eyes While Opening the Window" is a novel by writer Nguyễn Ngọc Thuần. The story presents the inner thoughts of a 10-year-old boy as he reflects on the world around him. It doesn't feature shocking twists or pulse-pounding events; instead, it focuses on simple, everyday observations that seem small yet are deeply moving. The gentle narrative has a captivating quality that will likely make readers smile with warmth.

As the writer Phan Thị Vàng Anh once said: "The story paints a world shared by both children and adults, narrated through the voice of a ten-year-old boy. His perspective is like a mirror with special clarity, allowing adults to look into it and feel moved, perhaps even a little sad, because the reflection has become clouded by time."

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The childhood in Dreamy Island is just like in Nguyễn Nhật Ánh's other works: pure and sweet. This book will surely make you feel like a child again with its humor, tears, and adventures. It introduces a boy, Cu Tin, who learns to be clever, brave, and resourceful, battling the evil characters while developing a strong sense of justice. Through this story, we also understand that for children, respect is sometimes far more important than love.

Nguyễn Nhật Ánh’s writing remains as fresh, witty, and realistic as always, capturing the true thoughts, actions, and language of children. We hope Dreamy Island satisfies the desire to "play" and unleash imagination without being scolded as "silly" or "making up stories," while also addressing the concerns of parents on how to preserve their children's innocence and joy forever.

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This is one of the most successful works by the author Đoàn Giỏi. Set in the Southwestern region of Vietnam during the year 1945, the novel chronicles the life of a young boy named An. After losing his parents while fleeing from the war, An is forced to wander and survive on his own.

In "Southern Forest Lands," readers follow An as he traverses various regions of Vietnam: from the Tiền and Hậu rivers, all the way to Rạch Giá and down to the U Minh forest. Along his journey, he encounters the honest, brave, and loyal people of the Mekong Delta, who are dedicated to the resistance cause. The story reveals the hardships, unpredictability, and adventures of An’s life, yet it is also filled with moments of joy and laughter. The novel was adapted into the popular film “Southern Land,” directed by Vinh Sơn.

“With a literary career spanning over 40 years, Đoàn Giỏi has left a legacy of beautiful writings that vividly capture the spirit of his homeland, its people, and the beloved southern region of Vietnam” – as noted by Anh Đức.

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"The Village of My Grandmother" is a collection of short stories by author Võ Quảng, featuring two main characters: Cục and Cù Lao. The work portrays life in the rural village of Hòa Phước, focusing on the simple everyday activities of the two children, such as preparing a feast to celebrate Uncle Hai Quân's return, visiting a local priest, and tending to the animals – all humble, familiar tasks that evoke warmth and affection.

The village in "The Village of My Grandmother" is filled with honest, hardworking people. These are individuals who would sacrifice their long hair and blackened teeth to join the local militia, who would dismantle altars and burn religious pictures to join the Việt Minh. Reading this story, readers are immersed in the heartfelt nostalgia and sweetness of childhood, set against the backdrop of a poor but loving village. The emotions and memories from these simpler times resonate deeply.

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The memoir “Days of Childhood” is one of Nguyên Hồng's most remarkable works, featuring the main memoir titled “Days of Childhood” along with four other short stories. Originally published by NXB Đời Nay in 1940, it captures the author’s bitter childhood memories in an unhappy family, written in a simple yet deeply emotional style.

This edition by Nhã Nam is based on the 1940 printing by NXB Đời Nay, with minor updates to spelling and grammar, such as replacing “theo rõi” with “theo dõi” and “chầy chật” with “trầy trật.” The illustrations in the book are sourced from Nguyên Hồng's stories published in the newspaper Ngày Nay.

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This is a classic work by author Tô Hoài that has become a part of many people's childhood. *Adventures of Cricket Men* is considered a model of children's literature. Every sentence, paragraph, and image deeply influences the reader’s thoughts, emotions, and aesthetic sense. The story depicts the adventures of a cricket named Mèn through the world of both animals and humans. It subtly yet profoundly addresses hot topics like good versus evil, war and peace, ideals and the meaning of life. Throughout the story, Mèn overcomes countless dangers and challenges, rising above them with self-awareness and determination, ultimately becoming a strong-willed young man full of ideals and a thirst for knowledge.

We are drawn into a world of familiar and endearing animals, each connected to rural life such as: Mr. Xiến Tóc, the Mantis Warrior, the Elephant Grasshopper, Cốm the Frog, and Chuồn Chuồn the Dragonfly. Tô Hoài’s genius lies in his ability to capture and describe the psychology of children and even young adults. He creates a world full of new emotions, practical passions, adventurous thrills, and a delicate appreciation for the beauty of life and nature.

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*The Blue Lotus* is the first novel to depict President Hồ Chí Minh and is also the most famous historical novel by author Sơn Tùng. The book traces Hồ Chí Minh's life from his first cry in his rural hometown to his departure from the Ben Nha Rong wharf to seek a way to save the nation. Sơn Tùng, dedicating years to collecting relevant materials, began writing the novel in 1948 and completed it in 1980.

This novel represents a unique fusion of history and fiction, shedding light on a crucial chapter of the Father of Vietnam's life. The story takes readers to Nghệ An, the hometown, to Sen village, the mother's weaving frame, the father's teachings, and the unforgettable childhood memories. It spans the world of Hue, where poverty and youthful concerns about human nature and the nation's fate converge, along with sorrow and loss.

*The Blue Lotus* goes beyond a mere children's novel and can move anyone to tears in moments of farewell, as the child bids farewell to his father to find his own path and that of his people. This is a story of life, idealism, and sacrifice. The Blue Lotus is not just about a leader but a story about being human.

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