Where Wildflowers Grow

by Hà Dinh, Bao Luu (Illustrator)

A beautifully moving picture book that reminds us that wherever we move--across the sea or across the neighborhood--we can always keep growing . . . just like wildflowers.

After being uprooted from their home in Vietnam, young H� is happy with her new life at the refugee camp. But today is Moving Day! And while the rest of the family is excited to head to their "forever home" in America, H� doesn't want to leave.

Leaving means saying goodbye to her best friend, her loving teacher, and the beautiful wildflowers she picks daily. She's not ready for yet another change. Who will play the game � Ăn Quan with her? What if she can't master speaking English?

Can H� carry the best parts of her beloved camp with her? Can wildflowers grow in America too?

Inspired by the author's childhood, Where Wildflowers Grow explores the emotional struggle of moving and the joy in discovering there's always hope in new beginnings.

Look in the back of the book for pictures and details about the author's journey to America, as well as rules to play the game featured in the story!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 13, 2023

Reviews

[Jill S]

WHERE WILDFLOWERS GROW is a touching, beautiful book. When the time comes for Hà, a young Vietnamese girl, and her family to leave a refugee camp, she reflects on her experiences at the camp. It’s a story of friendship, moving, and other important themes that can spark many meaningful conversations with young readers. It’s a heartfelt, powerful story that will stay with you and that you’ll want to read again and again, for both the lovely words and illustrations.

[Rachell Abalos]

What a beautiful and heartfelt story. Wonderfully written. Illustrations are detailed. Thank you for sharing your story, Ha. Anyone that has ever had to move away will definitely relate to this story. The first thing my daughter commented was “This girl looks like me.”

[Luminous Reads]

Inspired by the author’s childhood, this heartfelt story follows the journey of Hà, a young girl who faces big changes when her family prepares to move from their Vietnamese refugee camp in the Philippines to a new home and life in America.

A story of friendship, this beautifully illustrated picture book reminds young readers that even as big changes and challenges arise, the memories we create and the love we carry in our hearts can continue to grow and blossom.

[Carrie Schmidt]

4.5 stars

As a former English As a Second/Other Language teacher, my heart is so tender toward this sweet little picture book and toward Hà and her family. Even more so when I read that they ended up in Kentucky, where I taught ESOL. Following Hà’s journey from Vietnam to the refugee camp in the Philippines and then to America brought so many other precious faces to my mind, and several of her experiences mirrored that of my students’ and their families as well. The author tucks a lot of these details subtly between the lines, and the illustrator adds even more of these nods to the refugee experience as a whole in the gorgeous artwork. And yet, just like all of us are individuals so are our experiences, and I very much enjoyed reading Hà’s unique story through this picture book.

I’ve already mentioned the gorgeous illustrations, but they are so sweet and full of life and emotion that I just wanted to hug the book when I was finished. (I may have.) The author’s text lilts beautifully across the pages, painting a verbal picture of refugee life that comes alive visually with Bao Luu’s talented artwork. I also loved the personal photographs and mini biography included in the back of the book, pictures of the author and her family in their refugee journey that can help children identify even more with the illustrated story. (You can see some of them HERE)

Bottom Line: Where Wildflowers Grow by Hà Dinh (illustrated by Bao Luu) is rich in culture and feelings, and the message of personal growth is one that any child can apply to his/her own life even if they are never in the same exact situations. The vivid illustrations perfectly complement the engaging text and bring the story to life on the pages. Personal touches throughout also provide plenty of teachable moments between children & the adults reading the book to them, making this a great addition to any school library as well as home. My only complaint is that I wanted more!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Jilanne]

The author and illustrator do a beautiful job of depicting the lives of those living in a Vietnamese refugee camp in the Philippines while waiting to find out where they will be assigned to live at some point in the future. Children go to school and make friends, and then find out that they've been chosen for relocation...which is both joyful and sad. They may be relocated to different countries and may never see their friends again. In this story, the little girl who's leaving with her family is given a gift from the friend she's leaving behind, a card holding a small bouquet of the kind of wildflowers that they used to pick together. As the child becomes an adult, those flowers remind her of friendship, hope, and that you can grow and flourish where you land. A heartfelt, touching story. The illustrator paid particular attention to details, for example showing how the friend writes a farewell note in French cursive, a style they would have learned in school in Vietnam. Many other details like this add to the authenticity of the story. Well done!

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun]

This was such a beautiful and heartfelt story about immigration, family, and finding hope in new beginnings.

I really appreciated how this book explores the many emotions that can come with immigrating to America as a refugee, especially through the perspective of a child. The story captures the sadness and uncertainty of leaving familiar people and places behind, while also gently showing the possibility of growth, connection, and belonging in a new home.

There are so many meaningful themes woven throughout this story, especially friendship, family, resilience, and the idea of “growing where you are planted.” The wildflower metaphor was especially lovely and tied the story together beautifully.

The illustrations are soft, emotional, and full of warmth, perfectly matching the tone of the story.

I also absolutely loved the real photographs and author’s note included at the back of the book. Those personal touches made the story feel even more meaningful and helped deepen the connection to the real experiences that inspired it.

[Jon]

Rowan was very excited that the book included instructions for how to play the game. He was excited to see the real photos too, because he loves to find out that certain people and stories are real. Then he talked about how he could still write letters to his friends if they ever moved far away. So the difficulties of living in a refugee camp and having to flee your home country were, understandably, a bit lost on him and hard to process, but he grasped quite well that sometimes parents have to move the family around and kids don't get as much say in how that goes down as they would like. It's a hard world for little things. So these are experiences that really happen to real people. Difficult, unfair, and necessary as such moves might be, there remain ways to stay connected to the people we care about. A lovely and special book.

[Tracey Smith]

This is a delightful picture book by Ha Dinh, an educator turned author who was born in Vietnam but has lived most of her life in the United States. This beautifully written and illustrated story is about Ha's journey from Vietnam, her time with her family in a refugee camp in the Philippines, and ultimately her journey to the United States.

At the end of the book, the author's note tells the real-life story of her family's journey to the United States and includes pictures of her as a child with her family. She also includes instructions for playing the game she and her best friend played in the refugee camp. It is a beautiful book, full of hope and wonder, and a great way to introduce children to a family from a culture that might be very different from their own.

[Sharon McCarthy]

I have no doubt this book will be popular in every school that studies immigration. It also relates to all children having a moving experience and needing to say goodbye to a best friend. The story pulls at your heartstrings and opens up a new point of view on the immigration experience. The specific joyful memories she writes about will catapult you right into her immigration camp and their transformative experience coming to America. I highly recommend this story to parents who want to discuss cultural traditions. It is also an excellent icebreaker for families to initiate discussions about their nationalities and how their ancestors immigrated to America.

[Vivian Kirkfield]

A heartfelt true story of the author's experience fleeing Vietnam and relocating to a refugee camp in the Philippines before eventually moving on to the United States. The text captures your heart as the child must leave the camp she has grown accustomed to and the friendships she has made. The illustrations are captivating as well...with every emotion portrayed.
We need stories like this one to help children feel seen...and to show how the need for friendship and a place to call home is universal.

[Shelley]

Where Wildflowers Grow is a beautiful and inspiring tale of a young Vietnamese girl through her path of emigrating to America. You see the friendships that develop and the fear of change with moving to a new country through the eyes of young Ha. This beautifully illustrated story for children, showcasing an often underrepresented Vietnamese culture, includes the description of the true story of the author and instructions on how to play the game mentioned in the story. This book would make a great multicultural addition to any classroom.

[Aileen Stewart]

I often hear that agents and editors want books with heart. Sometimes that is hard to define, but after reading Where Wildflowers Grow, I'd venture to say this is what a book with heart looks like! The author's story of how her family migrated from Vietnam to the United States is a touching story of leaving everything familiar, including friends, to pursue a dream of a better life.

In addition, the beautiful illustrations add dimension to this lovingly told story which I think will be highly enjoyed by parents, teachers, and children alike!

[Angela De Groot]

A touching and hopeful story. It is moving day for Hà and her family. Everyone is very excited about their move to America - everyone except Hà who has come to love her temporary home and community at the refugee camp. Hà doesn’t want to leave behind her ESL teacher and classmates, doesn’t want to leave behind the wildflowers or the games that the camp kids play. Most of all, Hà is heartbroken to leave behind her best friend Châu. As she settles into her new home and new life, her treasured memories keep her going and growing.

[Kari Gonzalez]

Where Wildflowers Grow is rooted in the author's own experience fleeing Vietnam and her interim stay in the Philippines before immigrating. It is a heartfelt story of joy and hope, and the relatable friendships that take root in our soul and continue to blossom and grow no matter the distance. It is so full of rich details in text and art that will make you want to read this story again and again.

[Jamie White]

The story is so beautiful, impactful, and heartfelt. It’s one that every child and adult in 2023 needs to read. The illustrations are also exquisite. I loved the sweet details like the heart-shaped rock and the photo in the desk as the girls get older.

I can’t wait to read this book to my preschool students over and over again. I hope Hà writes more stories. I want to know what happened next.

10/10– Highly Recommend to all teachers, parents, librarians. You need this book on your shelves.

[Aolund]

This was a really beautiful story of friendship, home, and life as a refugee and immigrant. Drawn from the author's own childhood experience, I liked that this book showed how home is made from the connections we have with others, as well as the ability to live without untenable stress and duress, and that "America" isn't the ultimate dream.

Themes: Immigration, Refugee Experience, Home, Friendship
Age range: Preschool-Early Elementary

[Rebecca Loveday]

A wonderful book that sparked some interesting discussions with my children. The author tells the story with great sensitivity and her words are brought to life with charming illustrations. The story is a lovely insight into Vietnamese culture and the migration experience but little Ha's feelings are also very relatable for any child facing a major transition in life. The ending is particularly sweet and uplifting.

[Alison McGauley]

This is a beautiful and moving story of family, friendship, hope, and resilience. Where Wildflowers Grow offers kids the chance to learn about the experience of living in a refugee camp while also relating to the experience of losing a close friend. The illustrations are realistic and sweet, and I love how elements from the author’s life are included in both the art and the text. I enjoyed learning more about the inspiration for the story in the Author’s Note.

[Ryann Jones]

What a beautiful story based on the author's personal experience. I loved the comparison between wildflowers growing anywhere and how people can blossom and grow in new locations too. I also loved the comparison of her heart feeling as heavy as the stone in the game she plays every day with her friend she is having to leave. Very well written and illustrated. I would highly recommend it.

[Malcolm Newsome]

This is such a tender and beautifully written story about the struggle of leaving one's home and the joy of hope...about fond memories and the chance to make new ones...and unbreakable bonds. Plus, the illustrations are gorgeous! This is a wonderful book whether a child is in similar situation or to spur conversation about the lives of refugees.

[Bookworm4Life]

When a young girl's family gets to leave the refugee camp they have been living in to go to America, she doesn't want to say goodbye to her best friend who will be left behind. As the girl's family prepares to leave, the girl hopes that one day she and her friend will meet again. In a place where wildflowers bloom.

[Amanda Davis]

What a touching story of love, friendship, and immigration. Based on the author’s own story of her time in a refugee camp, later moving to the United States, we see first-hand the challenges that come with uprooting one’s life to start anew. Sensitive text and bold illustrations instill a sense of hope and happiness in this sweet story.

[Jennifer]

I loved this book so much, I bought a copy to give to a friend! It's the story of Ha's own experience as a refugee as a little girl. It's beautifully written and gives us a glimpse into the experiences of others that we wouldn't otherwise have. It's a great reminder of the power of friendship and the simple beauty of things like wildflowers. Such a great addition to my library!

[Sarah]

Where Wildflowers Grow is such a beautiful picture book. It’s a heartfelt story of friendship, loss, new beginnings, and hope. I appreciate the lovely language, gentle tone, and vibrant, charming illustrations. I was lucky enough to hear the author read this book aloud through Storytime Sprint.

[Logan Jones]

I loved that this book combines joy and sadness so well. They are excited to start a real new life, but there is so much joy they will need to leave behind. The book is a great example of show don't tell.
And the art is great too!

[Thelia Hutchinson]

Where the Wildflowers Grow is such a wonderful story about friendship and love. With beautiful heartfelt illustrations and touching words that will embrace your heart and show that nothing will stand in the way of true friendship.

[Tracey Nguyen Mang]

Such a sweet book that shares a glimpse into life at a refugee camp and the friendships and bonds that many of us developed during our stay. This book simplifies a complicated experience in a way that children can relate to and I really love the illustrations.

[Rachael]

Sweet and sad story of finding and losing your first friend, and sheds light on what it was like to live in a refugee camp, and shows how to children living there they could be warm, comfortable, safe places to live. I really enjoyed this subtle storytelling and lovely art work

[Kimberly Horch]

Such a sweet story! The author does a great job of remembering things that will be missed from a move- even one into much better circumstances. A great story about friendship and finding beautiful things anywhere.

[Erin Larivee]

What a moving story about immigration and adapting to change. You could really feel the heart in this book and the ending is beautiful. Hà Dinh's voice really stands out and this book will undoubtedly be helpful in schools!