About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, moving to a new home, or asking questions about family history and why people leave their countries. This gentle memoir follows a young girl named Kristen during the 1975 evacuation of Saigon, capturing the tension of war through a child-centered lens that prioritizes family safety over political complexity. It is an ideal tool for discussing bravery and the 'scary-exciting' feelings that come with big changes. While the setting is a historical conflict, the emotional heart of the story is about the resilience of the family unit. Parents will appreciate how the author uses imaginative play to soften the impact of frightening events, such as pretending to be astronauts to avoid the sting of tear gas. It provides a hopeful and age-appropriate entry point for children ages 5 to 9 to understand the refugee experience and the concept of finding a 'newfound home' without losing one's identity.
