Yia Lor, the UW-Madison Eau Claire County Extension Human Development and Relationships Educator, reminded me that this is the time of year that Hmong New Year is celebrated.  It’s a great time to look at your book collection and make sure you have books by and about Hmong people.  More than half of the counties in the IFLS region have a significant Hmong population.  Once you have the books, it’s a great time for a celebratory display, too!  Here are some books that Yia recommends:

Astrid and Apollo series by V.T. Bidania.  Early chapter book series about a brother and sister written by a Hmong author who lives near the Twin Cities.  Definitely fills a hole!  Eau Claire and Menomonie both have this series…should you?

Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee.  Exciting fantasy written for the Rick Riordan Presents series by a Wisconsin author!  Also check out her Shamanborn series, which she said are the books she wishes she would have had as a Hmong teenager.

Kao Kalia Yang has written everything from memoirs to picture books, all critically acclaimed and gorgeous for kids and adults.  Here are a few:

• From the Tops of the Trees, a 2021 picture book getting lots of starred reviews!  (There are 8 holds on 4 copies of this book–looks like one to purchase if you don’t have it yet)
• The Most Beautiful Thing, 2020 picture book (also available in Hmong)
• A Map Into the World, 2019 picture book (also available in Hmong)
• Yang Warriors, 2021, a picture book illustrated by Billy Thao (a Minnesota illustrator who is a college friend of our own Jake Wyrzykowski of Phillips)
• The Latehomecomer, Yang’s first memoir and a classic.  For adults and teens!

Cooking from the Heart by Sami Scripter and Sheng Yang, 2008 (only Menomonie has this one)

Hmong Cookbook, published by UW Extension-Eau Claire County in 2008.  Looks like it is still available to purchase.