I Am Both: A Vietnamese Refugee Story
Written by Kerisa Greene
Illustrated by Kerisa Greene
Published by Feiwel & Friends
A picture book inspired by the author’s family’s journey on the last flight out of Saigon, I Am Both is a compelling exploration of identity, immigration, and family.
For Hương, life in Saigon, Vietnam is mostly normal—at least, as normal as it can be while a war is going on. But when her family decides to take the last flight out of the country to build a new life in America, Hương worries about missing her home. Through new friends and old traditions, Hương learns that no matter where we go, the smell of home and the taste of love can be found anywhere, as long as we have our family.
In this timely and hopeful story of immigration, author/illustrator Kerisa Greene captures the vibrancy of life in both Vietnam and America with wonderfully textured illustrations and descriptions of the sights and sounds of each country. Fun and educational extras include the true story behind Hương’s journey and a glossary of Vietnamese terms.
Primary ISBN: 9781250865021
Publication Date: April 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Vietnamese/Vietnamese American
Themes: Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Food, Family Relationship: Parents, Family Relationship: Siblings, Format: Audiobook, Identity: Names & Pronunciations, Multilingual: Vietnamese Featured Words, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Refugee Journey, Refugee: War/Conflict, Welcoming by School
Setting: Vietnam (Saigon), United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: On Journey, Refugee
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Source: Feiwel & Friends