When Clouds Touch Us

In this sequel to the Newbery Honor book Inside Out and Back Again, Lai delivers a poignant yet sobering verse novel depicting 12-year-old Vietnamese refugee Hà’s struggles acclimating to life in the United States. Hà and her brothers have barely gotten used to living in Alabama when they learn they might be relocating to Texas so their mother can seek better work opportunities. Reluctant to leave her best friend Pam (“I scream to myself/ ‘Not fair’ ”), Hà searches for ways to stay in Alabama. She attempts to earn money for the family by growing lantanas and babysitting, but “visions of gliding though/ seventh grade halls/ blending among others” often lead to her using her hard-earned funds to buy herself clothes from Kmart. Hà’s loneliness, coupled with guilt over her mother’s juggling multiple jobs to save up for a house, powerfully illustrates the sometimes conflicting emotional burdens that immigrant children can face in trying to take on adult responsibilities. Through piercingly spare language that boasts expert rhythm, resonance, and cadence, Lai offers a story of hope and resourcefulness, and a sensitive portrayal of one 12-year-old’s life carefully observed. Supporting characters read as white. Ages 8–12. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary. (May)