James was born in a Hmong village, high on a mountain in Laos. As a young child, he spent an hour every day carrying water up from the spring below the village. He also helped with farming, went to school, and built a tricycle for exciting rides down the hill.
As a teenager, he moved to Luang Prabang so he could attend high school. He learned English, worked part-time, and in his spare time, he and his brother built a new house for their parents. Here he tells the story of his life, up to age seventeen.
by James Xiong, photographs by Big Brother Mouse staff and James Xiong
First published in 2015 :: Lao language :: 96 pages :: Paperback :: A5
This book was made possible by a sponsorship from the International Voices Choir in Germany. Thank you!
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Sample pages from Growing Up on the Mountain
Did you know Laos has 49 ethnic groups, each with its own culture and traditions? Hmong are one of the largest.
