The Rock in My Throat - by Kao Kalia Yang (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In this moving true story, Kao Kalia Yang shares her experiences as a Hmong refugee child navigating life at home and school in America while carrying the weight of her selective mutism"--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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

-- (3/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"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

-- (3/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"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

-- (12/29/2023 12:00:00 AM)

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

-- (1/19/2024 12:00:00 AM)

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

-- (1/22/2024 12:00:00 AM)