From the Tops of the Trees

“A stirring, lyrical portrait of hope and intergenerational bonds.“—starred, Publishers Weekly

”[A] gentle celebration of vision, hope, and determination …“—starred, School Library Journal

“Beautiful in its simplicity and elegance, with a hopeful and inspiring message, this story will not soon be forgotten.“—starred, Booklist

“This story of resilience and generational hope is told in an expressive, straightforward narrative style. A visually striking, compelling recollection.“—starred, Kirkus Reviews

”[A]n homage to four-year-old Kaila, who wished to see the world again and again from the tallest trees, and to her father, who first hoisted her up in the treetops.” —Children’s Literature

“In sensitive and empowering words, Yang speaks about historical truths and shares her own childhood story with readers.“—The Horn Book Magazine

Kao Kalia Yang is a Hmong American writer, teacher and public speaker. Born in the refugee camps of Thailand to a family that escaped the genocide of the Secret War in Laos, she came to America at the age six. Yang holds degrees from Carleton College and Columbia University. Her work has won numerous awards and recognition including multiple Minnesota Book Awards, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor, an ALA Notable Children’s Book Award, the 2023 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, Dayton’s Literary Peace Prize, and a PEN USA Award in Nonfiction.

Rachel Wada was raised between Japan and Hong Kong and is currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia. She has created illustrations for magazines, newspapers, advertising, and even a mural. Her work has won multiple awards including the Freeman Award for The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota’s Garden and the 2023 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature for From The Tops Of The Trees. Visually, Rachel’s works are characterized by the use of rich colours, textures, and fine details through both digital and traditional mediums.