A Year Without Home

This edifying novel by Bidania, narrated in evocative verse by 11-year-old Gao Sheng, traces the year during which she and her extended family of 20 lived as refugees following the end of the Vietnam War. As the war concludes, Hmong residents who stood against communism alongside the American military—like Gao Sheng’s elite soldier father—must flee Laos with their families. Bereft at the loss of their hilltop house, where “perfect” peach trees grow, the family contends with myriad obstacles before they finally arrive in Thailand; there, they live in two consecutive refugee camps. Gao Sheng, always an exemplary daughter, cares for her family’s younger children and helps prepare meals while stifling her resentment of the traditional respect and leniency accorded to her younger brother. Portrayals of a loving family balance Gao Sheng’s growing perspective on expected female roles in Hmong culture as she internalizes her struggles and finds ways to advocate for herself. The protagonist’s perceptive voice, at once gentle and firm, makes for a powerful story of personal growth as well as an affecting historical narrative. A contextualizing author’s note concludes. Ages 10–up. (Jan.)

Correction: The text of this review has been updated to correct a character's name.