“A Year Without Home” by V.T. Bidania

Author: VT Bidania

Genre: Verse/ Historical Fiction

Recommended Ages: 8-12

Publication Date: January 6, 2026

Summary: (Spoiler-free)

This middle-grade novel in verse follows Gao Sheng, an eleven-year-old Hmong girl whose life in Laos is abruptly disrupted by war. Forced to flee with her family, Gao Sheng must navigate fear, uncertainty, and displacement while holding tightly to memories of home. Told through spare, lyrical poems, the story captures both the urgency of survival and the quiet moments that shape identity and belonging.

My Thoughts

This is one of those books that quietly settles into your heart. The verse is accessible yet emotionally rich, making the story easy to read while still carrying significant weight. I appreciated how the author trusts young readers with complex emotions without overwhelming them. Gao Sheng’s voice feels authentic, thoughtful, and strong — especially in moments where she begins to question expectations placed on her as a daughter.

Themes

• Home and displacement

• Identity and belonging

• Family and cultural responsibility

• Gender roles and expectations

• Resilience and quiet courage

Why A Year Without Home Is Important for Diversity and Inclusion

Stories of Hmong refugees are rarely centered in children’s literature, and this book fills that gap with care and respect. It broadens historical understanding beyond commonly told narratives and allows young readers — especially those from immigrant or refugee backgrounds — to see experiences like their own reflected on the page. For others, it builds empathy and a deeper awareness of how global events shape individual lives.

Library Integration

• Strong addition to upper elementary and middle grade collections

• Ideal for novels-in-verse book clubs

• Pairs well with social studies units on migration, war, and refugees

• Excellent for SEL discussions around identity, loss, and resilience

• A thoughtful choice for diverse reading lists and displays

A Year Without Home is a gentle yet powerful reminder that stories of displacement belong in our libraries — not only to educate, but to connect and humanize history for young readers.

*Thank you to NetGalley for a free advanced readers copy of this book to review.