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Yang, Kao Kalia

The Rock in My Throat

32 pp. | Carolrhoda | March, 2024 | Trade ISBN 9781728445687 $18.99 | Ebook ISBN 9788769611876
(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jiemei Lin. Tenderly told in first person, Yang's lyrical autobiographical picture book depicts her childhood struggle with selective mutism. Her descriptions of how selective mutism presents at school are vivid and authentic, as when she relates the distressing experience of being called to speak during attendance: "Trying to get the air out of my mouth feels like I'm pushing my heart up into my throat." Readers learn that her discomfort with speaking stems from alienating experiences witnessing the impatience of native English speakers when her immigrant Hmong mother tries to communicate. In contrast, young Kalia is comfortable speaking Hmong with her family at home, where "everyone speaks normally to everyone else. It is a song, uninterrupted, and it flows and flows." Classmates, portrayed with various skin tones, are shown engaged in conversation or play while Kalia remains alone, immersed in examining natural objects such as a feather or pebble. Lin's earth tones and muted colors reflect Kalia's affinity with the natural world. Nods to Hmong culture are captured through Lin's illustrations of clothing, meals, and artwork adorning the household. The story ends with a hopeful encounter with a potential friend. In the author's note, Yang provides a pronunciation guide and translations and shares her journey to finding her voice through writing.
Reviewer: Kristine Techavanich | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

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