The Latehomecomer

Synopsis:
The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir, by Kao Kalia Yang, is a beautiful book written by a young Hmong woman from St. Paul, MN.  The story followers her families immigration to the United States and the hardships and triumphs that pursue.  Yang lyrically captures her family history, as well as, their journey through Laos, to refugee camps in Thailand, and finally America.  Along the way, stories are told, lessons are learned, and her family bond remains.

 Idea for Lesson Plan:
After reading this book, I would have my students write their own memoirs.  They would focus on a specific part of their lives.  We would also use this book to learn more about Hmong culture.  Since Minnesota has a large Hmong population, it is important for students to learn about Hmong traditions, beliefs, and personal experiences.  The Latehomecomer is a beautiful and honest example of history as told through the eyes of a young Hmong woman.


Critique:
Kao Kalia Yang reveals her family through candid and heartfelt memories.  From the beginning of her memoir, Yang gives the reader an accurate picture of her family members and how her culture and their experience has influenced her life.  Through dialogue and narration, Yang carries the reader on her family's journey to America.  True to life, Yang and her family have had adjustments to make.  However, it was important to assimilate in America, without losing their authentic culture.
Set in Laos, Thailand, and America, Yang describes the living conditions in her family's original home in Laos, the refugee camps in Thailand, and their meager residences in Minnesota.  In each location, Yang makes it apparent how her family has had to adjust to the best of their ability to each home.
Through description Yang has lyrically captured her experience as a Hmong woman and how intertwined and connected she is to not only her immediate family, but also her very large extended family.  The Latehomecomer magnificently illustrates one woman's experience growing up Hmong, and reveals her close connection with her culture and family.

The Latehomecomer. ISBN 978-1-56689-208-7. Kao Kalia Yang. 2008. 2009 Minnesota Book Award for Memoir/Create Non-Fiction. Ages 15+. Hmong Non-Fiction. Memoir.