Books
The Fig Tree
COMING SOON!
Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan USA
2025
Tomatoes in My Lunchbox
Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan USA
June 2022
A child, newly arrived in another country, feels displaced, lonely, and a little scared on her first day of school. Her name doesn't sound the way she's used to hearing it. She knows she doesn't fit in. And when she eats her whole tomato for lunch, she can feel her classmates observing her—and not quite understanding her.
But sometimes all it takes is one friend, one connection, to bring two worlds together, and gradually the girl, her tomato, and her full name, start to feel at home with her new friends and community.
A moving picture book from about the first day of school, layered with themes about the immigrant experience and the universal experience of feeling out of place
"[A] beautifully told and illustrated story that expresses, with sensitivity and inspired use of figurative language, a child’s attempt to fit with the dominant culture—a common experience that will resonate with many readers and inspire empathy in others." —Kirkus, starred review
"An excellent choice for back to school and “new kid” picture book collections. This will resonate with many readers." —School Library Journal, starred review
"[S]ensitively articulated... [with] lushly wrought illustrations" —Publishers Weekly, starred review
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Accolades
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A Kirkus Best Book 2022 - 'Most Empowering'
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A Bookstagang Best Book 'Future Classic' 2022
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An Ezra Jack Keats Writer Award 2023 finalist
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An SSYRA Jr Award 2023-2024 nominee
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A Sunday Morning Magazine with Rodney Lear 'Best of the Best from Past 10 Years' selection
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A 2023-2024 Chickadee Award nominee
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A 2023-2024 FLA Children's Book Award Finalist