A Year Without Home

A Year Without Home

V. T. Bidania

V. T. Bidania

A poignant novel in verse about a Hmong girl losing and finding home in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. For fans of Jasmine Warga and Veera Hiranandani. "As gripping as it is informative and as beautiful as it is heartbreaking, A Year Without Home does what all great books do: spark curiosity, ignite compassion, and leave its readers changed for the better. The young people who read V.T. Bidania's story will feel energized and empowered to make their future kinder, more peaceful, and more just than either the past or our present."—Jarrett Lerner, award-winning author-illustrator of A Work in ProgressFor eleven-year-old Gao Sheng, home is the lush, humid jungles and highlands of Laos. Home is where she can roll down the grassy hill with her younger siblings after her chores, walk to school, and pick ripe peaches from her family’s trees.But home becomes impossible to hold onto when the communist government takes over...
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Astrid and Apollo and the Magic Pepper

Astrid and Apollo and the Magic Pepper

V. T. Bidania

V. T. Bidania

Astrid and Apollo are heading to the farm with Grandma and Uncle Meng! The twins enjoy Grandma's funny stories and Uncle Meng's magic tricks while picking vegetables to sell at the farmers' market. But Uncle Meng is looking for something else to pick—a magic pepper! Can Astrid and Apollo help make Uncle Meng's long-held wish to find a magic pepper come true? Readers will love joining the twins on their adventures in this chapter book series about a Hmong American family.
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Astrid and Apollo and the Awesome Dance Audition

Astrid and Apollo and the Awesome Dance Audition

V. T. Bidania

V. T. Bidania

Astrid and Apollo watch their cousin Lily in an amazing dance performance, and she convinces them to audition for the Hmong dance school she attends. Astrid is excited, but Apollo isn't so sure. The twins learn the audition routine and work hard to prepare for the big day. When Apollo faces a setback, he realizes how much he does want a place at the dance school. Will his creative solution save the day or cost him his chance?
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Astrid and Apollo and the Super Staycation

Astrid and Apollo and the Super Staycation

V. T. Bidania

V. T. Bidania

Astrid and Apollo's family is excited for their trip to Laos to attend a family wedding. But bad weather cancels their plans, and the twins' parents are disappointed to miss seeing their home country. Some brainstorming and a messy painting project inspire an idea: If their parents can't go to Laos, Astrid and Apollo will bring Laos to them! But can they keep their plan a surprise?
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Astrid and Apollo and the Puppy Surprise

Astrid and Apollo and the Puppy Surprise

V. T. Bidania

V. T. Bidania

The twins' birthday is coming! Astrid and Apollo each have a special, surprise gift planned for the other. Astrid thinks she has guessed what Apollo is giving her, but as she puts more clues together, she realizes she's in the middle of a birthday mystery! Join in the fun as the twins try to pull off the ultimate birthday surprises for the best birthday ever! Readers will love joining the twins on their adventures in this chapter book series about a Hmong American family.
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Astrid and Apollo and the Ice Fishing Adventure

Astrid and Apollo and the Ice Fishing Adventure

V. T. Bidania

V. T. Bidania

It's ice fishing season, and the twins are looking forward to a fun day in the ice house. Dad shows the kids how to be safe on the ice, how to drill a hole, and how to catch fish. The fishing fun begins and everyone is having a great time. . . except for Mom. She is cold and worried about things going wrong. But when an uninvited guest arrives and surprises the family, it's Mom who ends up laughing loudest of all.
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Astrid and Apollo and the Family Fun Fair Day

Astrid and Apollo and the Family Fun Fair Day

V. T. Bidania

V. T. Bidania

It's time for the fair! Astrid, Apollo, Eliana, and their parents head out for a day of fun, food, and family. The fair is hosting a scavenger hunt, and they join the game to find mystery items based on the five senses. But the biggest puzzle of all is trying to figure out what Eliana is asking for! As they hunt their way through the list, eating their favorite foods and playing their favorite games, will they finally discover what Eliana's favorite is?
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Astrid and Apollo and the Blast from the Past

Astrid and Apollo and the Blast from the Past

V. T. Bidania

V. T. Bidania

Astrid and Apollo get spooked during a science exhibit that takes a surprising turn! Eight-year-old Hmong American twins Astrid and Apollo are looking forward to the traveling museum, where replicas of dinosaurs, mummies, and prehistoric creatures will be on display. But Astrid is NOT looking forward to seeing the mummies—especially after she and Apollo watch a scary movie in which mummies come back to life! Apollo tries to convince Astrid to conquer her fear of "things that can't happen." But at the traveling museum, Astrid, Apollo, and their friend Kiran all get a scary surprise—and Astrid's new courage is put to the test! Showcasing a warm sibling relationship of a Hmong American family, as well as themes of exploration and tradition, Astrid and Apollo will delight young readers.
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