Description

By (author) Lai, Thanhhà

Ten-year-old Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her family and friends close by. But when the Vietnam War reaches the gates of her home, Hà and her family are forced to flee.

The journey onboard a refugee ship bound for America is hard – but nothing can prepare Hà for the strangeness of the country that greets them on the other side. The language is impossible, the food is strange – and not all the locals are friendly. But amongst her struggles, Hà finds joy, friendship – and most of all, the power of hope, love and family.

Review quote:
Captures a child-refugee”s struggle with rare honesty. Written in accessible, short free-verse . . . readers will be moved by Hà”s sorrow as they recognize the anguish of being the outcast.

Review quote:

An incisive portrait of human resilience

Biographical note:
Thanhhà Lai is a Vietnamese-American writer of middle-grade and young adult novels. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and daughter.