Mae Respicio writes novels full of hope and heart. Her debut, The House That Lou Built, received the Asian/Pacific American Library Association Honor Award in Children's Literature and was an NPR Best Book of the Year. She's also the author of the acclaimed Any Day With You and How to Win a Slime War.

"This sweet and heartfelt novel explores how bumpy beginnings can offer chances for new growth." --The New York Times

"Respicio examines themes of racism, cultural heritage, and community building by focusing on positive occurrences in Isabel's life, throughout offering solutions that model helpful next steps for readers in similar circumstances." --Publishers Weekly

"Respicio's novel in verse tackles the emotional journey of sacrifice and opportunity that many new immigrants experience, as well as the plight of Filipinos living abroad to earn money." --Booklist

"Heartfelt and moving." --Kirkus Reviews

"A touching novel....[Respicio] poetically incorporates the experiences and feelings immigrants may have when moving to a new country." --School Library Journal

"The novel brings light to unconventional family structures and hate crimes against Asian Americans elders." --The Horn Book

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Pub date: 2025-04-08

Length: 368 pages