Quiet, lyrical, and profound, The Rock in My Throat tells the true story of author Kao Kalia Yang’s experience as a young Hmong refugee navigating life at home and at school. Having seen the poor treatment her parents received when making their best efforts at speaking English, she no longer speaks at school. Kalia feels as though a rock has become lodged in her throat, and it grows heavier each day.

An author’s note at the end of the book reflects on how and why Kalia became a selective mute and how she eventually found her voice. Today, Kalia joins us to share her experience writing this story. Read on to download a free teaching guide and listen to an original composition, created specifically for this picture book.