Hmong Author V.T. Bidania Kicks Off Reading Month at Monroe Elementary
In Brooklyn Park, a group of students received a special gift to help kick off “I Love to Read Month.”
Local author V.T. Bidania visited Monroe Elementary School on Wednesday to read a passage from her new book, “A Year Without Home.”
Bidania, who is Hmong, wrote the book because she wants everyone to know her ancestors’ story.
“We helped the U.S. during the Vietnam War and our soldiers fought for the American side,” she said. “And when the U.S. lost the war, then we had to leave Laos, and that’s how we came here. So I wanted to educate people about this part of history, because not many people are familiar with that.”
“A Year Without Home” by V.T. Bidania came out Jan. 13. Fourth and fifth-grade students at Monroe Elementary received free copies, courtesy of the nonprofit Read With Me MN.
“A Year Without Home” tells of her family’s escape from Laos after the Vietnam War and the time they spent in refugee camps before resettling in America.
“Even though it does have some sad moments, the main character is able to find some strength and hope in those dark times,” said Bidania. “And I hope that this book might give readers, and just anyone who comes across it, a little bit of hope and light right now, which we really need.”
Every fourth and fifth-grade student received a free copy of the book, courtesy of the nonprofit organization, Read With Me MN.
“Our kids at Monroe, they are readers. They love books, and so to be a part of a book launch is a big deal,” said Lisa Silmser, the literacy specialist at Monroe Elementary. “You hear about the lines of kids for a Harry Potter book, or big celebrations at the Empire State Building. Well, this is right here at Monroe where kids are gonna get this brand-new book.”
Read With Me Minnesota raised $3,500 to help give out 200 books to Monroe students.
Author V.T. Bidania read a passage from “A Year Without Home” to students at Monroe Elementary during an all-school assembly.
Related: Monroe Elementary Hosts Major Funding Announcement To Boost Literacy
