Starred Review The Rock in My Throat

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 4
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

Praise for The Rock in My Throat by Kao Kalia Yang, illustrated by Jiemei Lin:

Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature Picture Book Honor
Booklist Editor’s Choice
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Blue Ribbon Award
Heartland Booksellers Award Finalist
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

At first, no one noticed when I stopped talking at school.

In this moving true story, Kao Kalia Yang shares her experiences as a young Hmong refugee navigating life at home and at school. Having seen the poor treatment her parents received when making their best efforts at speaking English, she no longer speaks at school. Kalia feels as though a rock has become lodged in her throat, and it grows heavier each day. Although the narrative is somber, it is also infused with moments of beauty, love, and hope.

This is a story for anyone who has ever struggled to find their voice.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-7284-4568-7
$14.24
979-8-7656-1187-6
$23.99
979-8-7656-4439-3
$34.99
979-8-7656-4438-6
$6.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 4
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Diverse Books: Immigration & Refugees, Diverse Books: Mental Health & Neurodiversity, Diverse Books: #OwnVoices, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: D Relationship Skills, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2024
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2024-03-05
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF053230, JNF053140, JNF050000
Dewey 973/.0495972092 [B]
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Guided Reading Level P
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Awards, Original artwork, Reviewed, Starred Reviews, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Awards

  • Martin Luther King Jr. "Living the Dream" Book Award Contender, Long-listed, 2025
  • Notable Award Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature Picture Book Honor, Commended, 2025
  • Minnesota Book Award Finalist, Short-listed, 2025
  • Heartland Booksellers Award Finalist, Short-listed, 2024
  • Notable Award Booklist Editor's Choice, Winner, 2024
  • The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Award, Winner, 2024

Reviews

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“A nature motif runs throughout the scenes, anchoring the girl in a world that requires no language, just the songs of birds and movement of growth. This is a gorgeous and deeply empathetic look at the refugee experience and what it means to feel truly alone in the world.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

The Horn Book Magazine

“Tenderly told in first person, Yang’s lyrical autobiographical picture book depicts her childhood struggle with selective mutism. Her descriptions of how selective mutism presents at school are vivid and authentic. . . Lin’s earth tones and muted colors reflect Kalia’s affinity with the natural world.”—The Horn Book Magazine

Publishers Weekly

“Yang traces a Hmong-speaking child’s experience of selective mutism. . . Lin’s digital illustrations employ scale and perspective to smart effect.”—Publishers Weekly

Starred Review Booklist

“A heartfelt story that teaches children about diversity and reflects difficulties with being different, understood, and accepted.”—starred, Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

“Yang’s poetic prose sings in perfect unison with Lin’s gorgeously textured illustrations, rendered in earthy tones . . . A powerful window into the perspective of a young immigrant.”—Kirkus Reviews