“Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu

Jack’s mother can make paper animals come to life. In the beginning, Jack
loves them and spends hours with his mom. But as soon as he grows up
he stops talking to her since she is unable to converse (speak) in English.
When his mother tries to talk to him through her creations, he kills them
and collects them in a box. After a tragic loss, he finally gets to know her
story through a hidden message which he should have read a long time
ago.
What Is Great About It: The story is a simple narration that touches on
complex issues. It is about leaving your own country with the promise of a
better life.
It is also about the conflicts that can occur between families when different
cultures and languages collide. In this case, the tension is so high that it
destroys the relationship between a mother and her son. It also has a
moving message about never taking your loved ones for granted.