Bidania, V.T. Year Without Home, A. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen, 01/2026. 409 [+14]pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-69720-7. GRADES 4–6. OUTSTANDING.
Based on real-life experiences, Bidania’s novel-in-verse takes the reader to Laos following the Vietnam War as her multi-generational family flees their home country to find safety in a Thai refugee camp. Twelve-year-old Gao Sheng’s character development is beautifully rendered in lyrical verse throughout the book as the author’s words create an immersive experience from the perspective of a young Hmong refugee. The creative use of splitline poetry evokes a whole spectrum of emotions, including fear, exasperation, and heartbreak. By sharing the geography of her beloved countryside, the significance behind the meaning of family names, and the preparation and enjoyment of traditional food, Bidania offers us a glimpse into her rich cultural heritage. Attention is paid to the traditional gender roles, as Gao Sheng feels frustration that her brother, Yia, is given more freedom while she is expected to take on a more matriarchal role in the family. A Year Without Home is a powerful, semi-autobiographical middle-grade novel about grieving the loss of home but finding it anew and learning to balance family responsibilities with one’s own individuality.
Alicia Hulten—Palo Alto City Library