From Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen and illustrator Minnie Phan comes an unforgettable
story of a Vietnamese American girl whose life is transformed by a wildfire.
When Simone is awakened by her mom as a wildfire threatens their home, it is the beginning of a life-changing
journey. On their way to take shelter in a high school gym, the family passes firefighters from a prison unit
battling the fire. Simone's mom tells her that when she was a girl in Viet Nam, she was forced to evacuate
her home after a flood. Joined by other children sheltering in the gym, Simone, a budding artist, encourages
everyone to draw as a way to process their situation. After a few days, Simone and her mom are able to return
to their home, which is fortunately still standing, and her outlook has changed. As Simone begins creating a
piece of art with one of her new friends, she realizes that even though they are young, they can dream and
work together for a more sustainable future. With a poetic, haunting family story by esteemed author Viet Thanh
Nguyen and gorgeous art from illustrator Minnie Phan, this powerful tale introduces an unforgettable young
heroine who awakens to a new role fighting for her community and for the future of the planet.
