From the Tops of the Trees

A powerful true story of a young girl who has never known life outside a refugee camp and a father determined to help her dream beyond the fences that confine them.

A powerful true story of a young girl who has never known life outside a refugee camp and a father determined to help her dream big. At Ban Vinai Refugee Camp, Kalia spends her days playing with cousins, chickens, and dogs. When she asks her father if all of the world is a refugee camp, he climbs with her to the top of a tree so she can see the world beyond the fences that confine them. Yang's evocative prose is accompanied by atmospheric illustrations from Rachel Wada in a story that encourages readers of all ages and circumstances to believe in their dreams.

About the Author

Kao Kalia Yang lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is the author of the award-winning books The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir and The Song Poet. Yang is a graduate of Carleton College and Columbia University's School of the Arts.

About the Illustrator

Rachel Wada is a freelance illustrator and designer based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her style is a combination of cultural influences and techniques that reflect her Japanese-Chinese heritage.