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“A heartwarming story of a girl’s unconventional childhood reminds readers that everyone carries their own suitcase; the contents of everyone’s experiences differ, but all are valuable and important.”

—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“Color-saturated, storybook-like illustrations reference Kimia’s home through swirling motifs that replicate patterns found in Nana-joon’s abode. Objects of remembrance form an apt through line across this story of constant change.”

—Publishers Weekly

“A balm for the loneliness of navigating new, unfamiliar spaces.”

—Foreword Reviews

A Suitcase Full: A Story of Starting New and Carrying Home in Your Heart

Written by Maryam Kia
Illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett
Published by Free Spirit Publishing

A Suitcase Full is a heartfelt picture book about the love of family, the power of one’s story, and the beauty of embracing change while leaving and finding home. When a young girl’s family is forced to flee Iran, there isn’t time to make a plan. With only one suitcase, Kimia is forced to leave behind many cherished possessions as well as say goodbye to her beloved grandmother, Nana-joon. As years pass, the family lives in vibrant cities like London and Paris, but are never able to stay for long. After traveling halfway around the world, they finally find a new place to call home on the island of O’ahu. When Kimia’s new teacher assigns the class a special project—bringing a suitcase filled with meaningful objects—Kimia finds a way to weave her past into her present, celebrating both her roots and her growth.

Through stunning illustrations and poignant storytelling, A Suitcase Full invites readers to explore their own life stories and identities, to embrace changes as opportunities to learn and grow, and to appreciate travel and cultures around world.

With A Suitcase Full, readers can:

  • Share in the joys and challenges of starting fresh in a new place
  • Explore themes of resilience, belonging, and what it means to carry your story with you
  • Find comfort and hope when adjusting to new homes or schools

Based on the author’s childhood, A Suitcase Full encourages shared storytelling and conversations about family history, migration, language, culture, and resilience.

Primary ISBN: 9798885549707
Publication Date: August 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Iran (Shiraz), England (London), France (Paris), United States (Boston MA), United States (Honolulu HI)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee, On Journey

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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