V.T. Bidania was born in Laos and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has an MFA in creative writing from The New School and is a McKnight Artist
Fellow. She is the author of the ASTRID AND APOLLO series, the first children's book series to star Hmong American characters, and A YEAR WITHOUT A HOME, a fictionalized memoir in verse about her family's escape from Laos at the end of the Vietnam War.

Praise for A Year Without Home

★ "This edifying novel...narrated in evocative verse...makes for a powerful story of personal growth as well as an affecting historical narrative."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "This riveting account, based on the real experience of the author's family, is told through evocative, urgent prose, equally adept at capturing moments of stillness and beauty as well as those of suspense and horror. The book is many remarkable things a harrowing history lesson on an often-overlooked war, an incredible account of the love and tension held in a family, a coming-of-age story about a girl bursting with questions and passions, and a sympathetic spotlight on the plight of refugees. It all comes together as a transfixing tale, sure to stay with readers long after they've finished its final page."--Booklist, starred review

★ "An emotional exploration of the realities of displacement...Readers will find strength within Gao Sheng's story while learning about the struggles of Hmong Laotian peoples during this turbulent time in history. This beautiful novel will inspire readers who love poetry and historical feminist fiction; a triumph to add to any collection."--School Library Journal, starred review

"With inviting vulnerability, Bidania transforms her war-torn past into a rallying cry to 'build empathy, curiosity, and awareness.' A lyrical, heartfelt account of personal growth and endurance...Resonant historical fiction."--Kirkus Reviews

"As gripping as it is informative and as beautiful as it is heartbreaking, A Year Without Home does what all great books do: spark curiosity, ignite compassion, and leave its readers changed for the better. The young people who read V.T. Bidania's story will feel energized and empowered to make their future kinder, more peaceful, and more just than either the past or our present."--Jarrett Lerner, award-winning author-illustrator of A Work in Progress

"A page-turning, heart-thumping, emotionally gripping story of one family's escape from Laos during the Vietnam War and their harrowing journey across the globe. An important glimpse into the lives of Hmong refugees, their often-untold stories, and their impact on American history. Perfect for fans of Inside Out and Back Again. A Year Without Home is a much-needed addition to any classroom library."--Colby Cedar Smith, award-winning author of Call Me Athena and The Siren and the Star

"Bidania's prose sings, and her gorgeous, carefully-threaded images will stay with you long after you finish the novel. A Year Without Home is a deeply-researched novel about Hmong people escaping from Laos after the Secret War; and at the same time, a universally appealing, heart-expanding story of a loving family that stands together through adversity. You will love Gao Sheng and root for her, every step of her journey."--H.M. Bouwman, middle grade author of Scattergood and A Crack in the Sea

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books

Pub date: 2026-01-13

Length: 409 pages