In the Beautiful Country by Jane Kuo
Non Wels
Written by jane kuo
Published by Quill Tree Books (2023)
2026-2027 Nominees - Intermediate
Synopsis
My parents believe there’s something
better for us in the beautiful country.
I believe it too.
Anna is counting the days until her family finally moves to America—the beautiful country. Even though Anna knows she’ll miss her relatives and friends in Taiwan, she’s excited for her new life in California.
But the beautiful country is nothing like what she imagined. The family’s one-bedroom apartment is much smaller than their old house. Anna’s hopes for friendship are thwarted when she’s taunted for the food she brings to school. The worst part is Anna’s parents sunk their entire savings into a restaurant that’s losing money. Anna had big dreams for her new life, but now she doesn’t even know if her family will make it beyond the first year.
This lyrical and moving novel in verse is about finding your way in the world and what it truly means for a place to become home.