Review Detail

In this lyrical, heart print book, we meet Malcolm, the youngest child of Hmong refugees. In the first part of the book, we hear from the adults in his life as they describe moments where Malcolm deeply affected their lives. His mother, father, and three much older siblings discuss not only his life but also describe their own traumas living in rural Minnesota. In the second part of the book, we shift to Malcolm's own voice, revealing a thoughtful and articulate young boy who is much more than what others assume. Malcolm’s passion for his heritage and his journey to become a shaman—just as his grandparents once were—become central to the narrative. His struggles to reconcile his Hmong roots with his American life are conveyed with raw honesty and vulnerability. Through his eyes, readers witness his determination to understand who he is in relation to both his family’s past and his own future, making his path toward self-discovery both inspiring and deeply relatable. The last part of the book is told from the point of view of some of Malcolm's ancestors who have passed away.