The Rock in My Throat by Kao Kalia Yang and illustrated by Jiemei Lin takes a stance of resistance with an ending that challenges the privileged status of English and the treatment of immigrants in the U.S. This autobiographical picturebook tells the story of Kalia’s childhood decision to be selectively mute in speaking English. Kalia and her family came to the U.S. as Hmong refugees, comfortable in speaking their beautiful native language in their home. When she witnesses a cashier’s demeaning treatment of her mother who struggles to communicate in English, a rock grows in her throat. Kalia stops speaking in school, causing concern and confusion among her teachers and classmates, and growing loneliness in the isolation she feels in this place where English dominates. At recess, she finds solace in the beauty of nature and a relief from the constant scrutiny and embarrassment she feels in the classroom. She is unable to explain to her teachers or parents why she has stopped speaking, and the book ends with Kalia still not speaking in school, but with the hope of a connection to a classmate who invites her to play.
Told in first person, the poetic prose sings in harmony with the illustrations by Jiemei Lin. Her digital paintings in earth tones and muted colors match the somber mood of the story and effectively convey Kalia’s feelings of loneliness and despair. The illustrations include details from Hmong culture, such as clothing and food, and the endpapers are symmetrical patterns from Hmong embroidery traditions. Jiemei Lin is a Chinese American artist who says she uses her visual language to tell stories to navigate cultural trauma and social justice.
Kalia includes an extensive Authors Note in which she reflects as an adult on her selective mutism as a revolution against a world that was not listening and her journey of finding her voice through writing. She views this book as speaking to children who like her are quiet and hurting. Kalia herself did not speak in English voluntarily until she went to college. A glossary is included of translations for the Hmong words integrated into conversations between Kalia and her mother.
The unresolved ending of this book is thought-provoking as the reader expects Kalia to utter her first words in English when approached by a possible new friend. Her continued mutism challenges readers to consider their own actions toward immigrants whose languages are not honored or respected and conveys the loneliness of those who struggle to be heard and express themselves. This compelling picturebook resonates in the reader’s mind long after putting down the book. –Recommended by Kathy Short, University of Arizona
Title: The Rock in My Throat
Author: Kao Kalia Yang
Illustrator: Jiemei Lin
ISBN: 9781728445687
Pub Date: March 5, 2024
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
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- Themes: Jiemei Lin, Kao Kalia Yang, Kathy Short, Rock in My Throat
- Descriptors: WOW Recommends