Starred ReviewStarred Review From the Tops of the Trees
Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature in the Picture Book Category
“Father, is all of the world a refugee camp?”
Young Kalia has never known life beyond the fences of the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp. The Thai camp holds many thousands of Hmong families who fled in the aftermath of the little-known Secret War in Laos that was waged during America’s Vietnam War. For Kalia and her cousins, life isn’t always easy, but they still find ways to play, racing with chickens and riding a beloved pet dog.
Just four years old, Kalia is still figuring out her place in the world. When she asks what is beyond the fence, at first her father has no answers for her. But on the following day, he leads her to the tallest tree in the camp and, secure in her father’s arms, Kalia sees the spread of a world beyond.
Kao Kalia Yang’s sensitive prose and Rachel Wada’s evocative illustrations bring to life this tender true story of the love between a father and a daughter.
| Format | Your Price | Add |
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978-1-5415-8130-2
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$13.49 | |
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978-1-7284-3233-5
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$22.99 | |
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978-1-7284-4624-0
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$34.99 | |
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978-1-7284-4623-3
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$6.99 |
Awards
- Notable AwardNotable Award Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Picture Book Winner
- Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices
- Notable AwardNotable Award Irma S. and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature Silver Medalist
- Notable AwardNotable Award Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
- Notable AwardNotable Award ALA Notable Children's Books
- Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Books of the Year
- Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books
- Notable AwardNotable Award Kirkus Best Children's Books
- A Mighty Girl's Books of the Year List
- New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2021
Reviews
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)
“[A]n homage to four-year-old Kaila, who wished to see the world again and again from the tallest trees, and to her father, who first hoisted her up in the treetops.” —Children’s Literature
The Horn Book Magazine
“In sensitive and empowering words, Yang speaks about historical truths and shares her own childhood story with readers.”—The Horn Book Magazine
Starred ReviewStarred Review Publishers Weekly
“A stirring, lyrical portrait of hope and intergenerational bonds.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
Starred ReviewStarred Review School Library Journal
“[A] gentle celebration of vision, hope, and determination . . .”—starred, School Library Journal
Starred ReviewStarred Review Booklist
“Beautiful in its simplicity and elegance, with a hopeful and inspiring message, this story will not soon be forgotten.”—starred, Booklist
Starred ReviewStarred Review Kirkus Reviews
“This story of resilience and generational hope is told in an expressive, straightforward narrative style. A visually striking, compelling recollection.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews