This Is Not My Home

K-Gr 3–Lily, a fourth grader, is about to experience a universally stressful and anxiety producing event: moving. Her single mom tells her they are moving to Taiwan from their home in the United States to care for her grandmother. Panic ensues. Lily asks about her best friend, their car, their market, her school, their home. The move comes just the same. Suddenly, the illustrations show Lily’s colorful clothes as shades of gray, clearly reflecting her mood. Nothing feels right. Lily repeats, “This is not my home.” School life is the toughest. A little storm cloud appears above Lily’s head. Gently, her mom tries to explain that Taiwan is her own home and that it could be theirs together. Lily’s clothes start to regain a bit of color. In the following vertical panels, first one friend is made and then another. The passage of time and some shared experiences add more color to Lily’s appearance. The honest and relatable prose is seamlessly integrated with the lively, colorful world swirling around Lily. Around a happy multigenerational family dinner table, Lily says “This is my home.”