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“This picture-book memoir for older readers explores perseverance, financial hardship, and the richness of family connection.”  —Kirkus Reviews  (Starred Review)

The Most Beautiful Thing

Written by Kao Kalia Yang
Illustrated by Khoa Le
Published by Lerner Publishing Group

Drawn from author Kao Kalia Yang’s childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this moving picture book portrays a family with a great deal of love and little money. Weaving together Kalia’s story with that of her beloved grandmother, the book moves from the jungles of Laos to the family’s early years in the United States. When Kalia becomes unhappy about having to do without and decides she wants braces to improve her smile, it is her grandmother—a woman who has just one tooth in her mouth—who helps her see that true beauty is found with those we love most. Stunning illustrations from Vietnamese illustrator Khoa Le bring this intergenerational tale to life.

Primary ISBN: 9781541561915
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Memoir, Age 07 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , ,

Setting: Thailand

Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: Refugee

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

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