Simone
Written by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Illustrated by Minnie Phan
Published by Astra Publishing House
When Simone is awakened by her mom as a wildfire threatens their home, it is the beginning of a life-changing journey. On their way to take shelter in a high school gym, the family passes firefighters from a prison unit battling the fire. Simone’s mom tells her that when she was a girl in Viet Nam, she was forced to evacuate her home after a flood. Joined by other children sheltering in the gym, Simone, a budding artist, encourages everyone to draw as a way to process their situation. After a few days, Simone and her mom are able to return to their home, which is fortunately still standing, and her outlook has changed. As Simone begins creating a piece of art with one of her new friends, she realizes that even though they are young, they can dream and work together for a more sustainable future.
Primary ISBN: 9781662651199
Publication Date: May 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 05 or older
Community Represented: Vietnamese/Vietnamese American
Themes: Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Arts, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Storytelling, Family Relationship: Parents, Generation: 1st, Immigrant: Economic, IYNB Recommends: ASCA School Counselors 2026, Natural Disaster/Climate Change, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Refugee: Environmental Crisis, Welcoming by Individual
Setting: United States (California)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
Click here for details about how we define our titles.
Engagement Projects & Resources:
Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.