When Clouds Touch Us by Thanhha Lai
Published by Harper on May 9, 2023
ISBN: 0063047004
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

This sequel to Newbery Honor Inside Out & Back Again continues the story of Hà and her family as they struggle with life as refugees from Vietnam.  Hà is just getting comfortable in Alabama when her mom moves their family to Texas for better opportunities, hoping to be able to save enough money for a down payment on a home.  Once again, Hà struggles to make friends and fit in at her new school.  She also misses her mom who works a lot and her father who was captured years before during the Vietnam War. This middle grade novel is written in verse.  The sparse yet rhythmic language captures the strong thoughts and emotions of the characters. This story of hope, resilience, and family is a pretty quick read, but it does leave the reader with a lot to think about.  Readers who enjoyed the first book will no doubt enjoy this well written sequel.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library