About the Book

Ha was 10 years old. The only place that she was familiar with was Saigon only: the hustle and bustle in the market, the lively atmosphere of traditional festivals, the warm friendship with her friend...and her lovely beautiful papaya tree. However, the war was coming soon. Ha and her family were forced to get away from home, board the ship at night. Her life on the boat was very boring and painful.

     After being rescued by the U.S. army and having a sponsor, she and her family arrived in Alabama. She found that it was a different world: the mocking from her classmates, the indifference and alienation from neighbors, the monotony of food, the weirdness of the country. The world also inspired the life strength and resilience of Ha’s family. When she went to school in Alabama, she studied hard to learn English, tried hard to fit in at school, but she was bullied by her classmates because of being different from everyone. In the process of learning and fitting in, she had many difficulties, including being laughed at and discriminated against. Luckily, a really nice woman, Mrs. Washington, unselfishly helped them. The little girl went on a journey of starting her new life. During a year, she accepted the change, sadness and healing, and had a wonderful new life.