{"product_id":"a-year-without-home-isbn-9780593697207","title":"A Year Without Home","description":"\u003cb\u003eA poignant novel in verse about a Hmong girl losing and finding home in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. For fans of Jasmine Warga and Veera Hiranandani.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"As gripping as it is informative and as       beautiful as it is heartbreaking, \u003ci\u003eA Year Without Home\u003c\/i\u003e does what       all great books do: spark curiosity, ignite compassion, and leave its       readers changed for the better. The young people who read V.T. Bidania's       story will feel energized and empowered to make their future kinder, more       peaceful, and more just than either the past or our present.\"\u003ci\u003e—\u003c\/i\u003eJarrett       Lerner, award-winning author-illustrator of \u003ci\u003eA Work in Progress\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor eleven-year-old Gao Sheng, home is the lush, humid jungles and highlands of Laos. Home is where she can roll down the grassy hill with her younger siblings after her chores, walk to school, and pick ripe peaches from her family’s trees.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut home becomes impossible to hold onto when the communist government takes over after U.S. troops pull out of the Vietnam War. The communists will be searching for any American allies, like Gao Sheng’s father, a Hmong captain in the Lao Army who fought alongside the Americans against the Vietnamese. If he’s caught, he’ll be killed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the adults frantically make plans – contacting family, preparing a route, and bundling up their silver and gold, Gao Sheng wonders if she will ever return to her beloved Laos and what’s to become of her family now. Gao Sheng only knows that a good daughter doesn’t ask questions or complain. A good daughter doesn’t let her family down. Even though sometimes, she wishes she could be just a kid rolling down a grassy hill again.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn foot, by taxi and finally in a canoe, Gao Sheng and her family make haste from the mountains to the capitol Vientiane and across the rushing Mekong River, to finally arrive at an overcrowded refugee camp in Thailand. As a year passes at the camp, Gao Sheng discovers how to rebuild home no matter where she is and finally find her voice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInspired by author V.T. Bidania’s family history, \u003ci\u003eA Year Without Home\u003c\/i\u003e illuminates the long, difficult journey that many Hmong refugees faced after the Vietnam War.\u003cu\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for\u003ci\u003e A Year Without Home\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cb\u003e: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e★ \u003c\/b\u003e\"This \u003cb\u003eedifying \u003c\/b\u003enovel...narrated in \u003cb\u003eevocative verse\u003c\/b\u003e...makes for a \u003cb\u003epowerful story\u003c\/b\u003e of personal growth as well as an \u003cb\u003eaffecting historical narrative\u003c\/b\u003e.”—\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003cb\u003estarred review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e★ \u003c\/b\u003e“This \u003cb\u003eriveting account\u003c\/b\u003e, based on the real experience of the author’s family, is told through \u003cb\u003eevocative, urgent prose\u003c\/b\u003e, equally adept at capturing moments of stillness and beauty as well as those of suspense and horror. \u003cb\u003eThe book is many remarkable things\u003c\/b\u003e: a harrowing history lesson on an often-overlooked war, an incredible account of the love and tension held in a family, a coming-of-age story about a girl bursting with questions and passions, and a sympathetic spotlight on the plight of refugees. \u003cb\u003eIt all comes together as a transfixing tale, sure to stay with readers long after they've finished its final page.”—\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e,\u003cb\u003e starred review\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e★ “\u003cb\u003eAn emotional exploration\u003c\/b\u003e of the realities of displacement...Readers will find strength within Gao Sheng’s story while learning about the struggles of Hmong Laotian peoples during this turbulent time in history. \u003cb\u003eThis beautiful novel will inspire\u003c\/b\u003e readers who love \u003cb\u003epoetry \u003c\/b\u003eand \u003cb\u003ehistorical feminist fiction\u003c\/b\u003e; \u003cb\u003ea triumph\u003c\/b\u003e to add to any collection.”—\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003cb\u003estarred review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“With \u003cb\u003einviting vulnerability\u003c\/b\u003e, Bidania transforms her war-torn past into a rallying cry to 'build empathy, curiosity, and awareness.' A \u003cb\u003elyrical\u003c\/b\u003e,\u003cb\u003e heartfelt\u003c\/b\u003e account of personal growth and endurance…\u003cb\u003eResonant \u003c\/b\u003ehistorical fiction.”—\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"As gripping as it is informative and as beautiful as it is heartbreaking, \u003ci\u003eA Year Without Home\u003c\/i\u003e does what all great books do: spark curiosity, ignite compassion, and leave its readers changed for the better. The young people who read V.T. Bidania's story will feel energized and empowered to make their future kinder, more peaceful, and more just than either the past or our present.\"\u003ci\u003e—\u003c\/i\u003eJarrett Lerner, award-winning author-illustrator of \u003ci\u003eA Work in Progress\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A page-turning, heart-thumping, emotionally gripping story of one family’s escape from Laos during the Vietnam War and their harrowing journey across the globe. An important glimpse into the lives of Hmong refugees, their often-untold stories, and their impact on American history. Perfect for fans of \u003ci\u003eInside Out and Back Again\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003ci\u003eA Year Without Home\u003c\/i\u003e is a much-needed addition to any classroom library.”\u003ci\u003e—\u003c\/i\u003eColby Cedar Smith, award-winning author of \u003ci\u003eCall Me Athena\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Siren and the Star\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Bidania’s prose sings, and her gorgeous, carefully-threaded images will stay with you long after you finish the novel. \u003ci\u003eA Year Without Home\u003c\/i\u003e is a deeply-researched novel about Hmong people escaping from Laos after the Secret War; and at the same time, a universally appealing, heart-expanding story of a loving family that stands together through adversity. You will love Gao Sheng and root for her, every step of her journey.\"\u003ci\u003e—\u003c\/i\u003eH.M. Bouwman, middle grade author of \u003ci\u003eScattergood \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eA Crack in the Sea\u003c\/i\u003eV.T. Bidania was born in Laos and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has an MFA in creative writing from The New School and is a McKnight Artist\u003cbr\u003eFellow. She is the author of the ASTRID AND APOLLO series, the first children's book series to star Hmong American characters, and A YEAR WITHOUT A HOME, a fictionalized memoir in verse about her family's escape from Laos at the end of the Vietnam War.\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eCandlelight\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e(May 14, before dawn)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen I wake,\u003cbr\u003eit’s so early,\u003cbr\u003eit feels like\u003cbr\u003ethe middle of the night.\u003cbr\u003eA chorus of crickets\u003cbr\u003etrills outside our door.\u003cbr\u003eA noisy river toad\u003cbr\u003ecroaks\u003cbr\u003eby the stream.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe smell of incense\u003cbr\u003efloats toward me.\u003cbr\u003eI follow it to the family altar\u003cbr\u003ewhere Dad stands,\u003cbr\u003eholding incense sticks in his hands.\u003cbr\u003eRibbons of smoke\u003cbr\u003ecurl from the tips of the incense,\u003cbr\u003esending messages to my grandfather\u003cbr\u003eand our ancestors.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDad is asking\u003cbr\u003efor their protection and guidance\u003cbr\u003eduring our journey.\u003cbr\u003eLike me and everyone else,\u003cbr\u003ehe’s sad to leave too.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eHurry,\u003c\/i\u003e Mom says\u003cbr\u003ewhen she spots me\u003cbr\u003ein the shadows.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI rush back to our room,\u003cbr\u003elift my sisters from the bed,\u003cbr\u003ehelp them dress by candlelight.\u003cbr\u003eYia is already up,\u003cbr\u003epeeking out at the black sky.\u003cbr\u003eHe turns to me.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat if we don’t come back?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eI don’t know.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat if we never find\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eanother place like this?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat he means is\u003cbr\u003eanother place\u003cbr\u003elike home.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut I can’t answer Yia\u003cbr\u003ebecause I’m asking myself\u003cbr\u003ethe very same thing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBaby Carriers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the main room of the house,\u003cbr\u003eGrandma passes\u003cbr\u003eone nyias to each auntie,\u003cbr\u003ehelps strap the youngest kids\u003cbr\u003eto their backs.\u003cbr\u003eShe pulls and wraps\u003cbr\u003ethe long sashes of the baby carriers\u003cbr\u003eshe sewed by hand\u003cbr\u003earound my aunties’ waists and shoulders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAuntie Shoua carries Chee.\u003cbr\u003eAuntie Zong carries Fue.\u003cbr\u003eAuntie Kia carries Mee.\u003cbr\u003ePai, Tong, and Hli will walk.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMom grabs the nyias\u003cbr\u003emy other grandmother made for her\u003cbr\u003eand straps it to Round Moon,\u003cbr\u003eboosts her up onto her back.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDad lifts Good Xai\u003cbr\u003eto sit on his shoulders.\u003cbr\u003eI hold May Ia’s hand,\u003cbr\u003eand Yia follows us to the door.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThen we step into the night,\u003cbr\u003eGrandma beside my parents,\u003cbr\u003emy uncles, aunties, and cousins\u003cbr\u003ebehind us,\u003cbr\u003eeach person carrying\u003cbr\u003ea small bundle of belongings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI told no one\u003cbr\u003eI took my precious peach seeds\u003cbr\u003ein the small cloth pouch\u003cbr\u003eand tucked it into\u003cbr\u003ethe pocket of my skirt.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eOr Worse\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe air is warm,\u003cbr\u003ebut I can’t stop shivering.\u003cbr\u003eI can’t stop worrying.\u003cbr\u003eI can’t forget what Dad said.\u003cbr\u003eWhat if communists catch us—\u003cbr\u003eor worse?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhy can’t we take Dad’s jeep?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYia’s voice is loud in the dark.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eIt’s an army jeep.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eWe can use only a taxi.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMom’s voice is soft.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDad must hide\u003cbr\u003ethat he’s a soldier.\u003cbr\u003eIf communist officials see him,\u003cbr\u003ehe could be arrested.\u003cbr\u003eHe said nobody\u003cbr\u003ewho works for the military\u003cbr\u003eis safe right now.\u003cbr\u003eSo we must get to the secret planes\u003cbr\u003eright away.\u003cbr\u003eWe won’t even have time\u003cbr\u003eto pick up Mom’s mother, brothers, and sister\u003cbr\u003ewho live in another town\u003cbr\u003eon the way.\u003cbr\u003eOutside the door,\u003cbr\u003eAo Ka is lying on his side.\u003cbr\u003eYia sees him and pouts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe doesn’t want to go without Ao Ka,\u003cbr\u003ebut Mom already said\u003cbr\u003ewe can’t take our dog with us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAo Ka lifts his head.\u003cbr\u003eYia kneels to rub Ao Ka’s back,\u003cbr\u003escratch between his ears,\u003cbr\u003eand Dad speaks to him\u003cbr\u003eone last time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eTake care of our house.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eYou’re a good dog, Ao Ka.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYia stands,\u003cbr\u003erubs his eyes with his arm.\u003cbr\u003eTears slide down his cheeks,\u003cbr\u003edrip off his chin.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI don’t want to leave Ao Ka\u003cbr\u003ebehind either.\u003cbr\u003eI swallow,\u003cbr\u003eput my hand in my pocket,\u003cbr\u003eand hold on tight\u003cbr\u003eto my peach seeds.","brand":"Nancy Paulsen Books","offers":[{"title":"Default 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