A Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year 2024
A Kirkus Best Picture-Book Conversation Starter of 2024
A School Library Journal Best Picture Book 2024
From Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen and illustrator Minnie Phan comes an unforgettable story of a Vietnamese American girl whose life is transformed by a wildfire.
★ School Library Journal, starred review
★ Kirkus Reviews, starred review
When Simone is awakened by her mom as a wildfire threatens their home, it is the beginning of a life-changing journey. On their way to take shelter in a high school gym, the family passes firefighters from a prison unit battling the fire. Simone’s mom tells her that when she was a girl in Viet Nam, she was forced to evacuate her home after a flood. Joined by other children sheltering in the gym, Simone, a budding artist, encourages everyone to draw as a way to process their situation. After a few days, Simone and her mom are able to return to their home, which is fortunately still standing, and her outlook has changed. As Simone begins creating a piece of art with one of her new friends, she realizes that even though they are young, they can dream and work together for a more sustainable future. With a poetic, haunting family story by esteemed author Viet Thanh Nguyen and gorgeous art from illustrator Minnie Phan, this powerful tale introduces an unforgettable young heroine who awakens to a new role fighting for her community and for the future of the planet.
- ISBN10 1662651198
- ISBN13 9781662651199
- Publish Date 7 May 2024
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Vintage Publishing
- Imprint Minerva
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 48
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781662651199