Pahua and the Soul Stealer

Reach for this book when your child feels like an outsider or is struggling to balance their unique identity with the expectations of school and home. It is particularly powerful for children who carry the quiet weight of family responsibility or those navigating the complexities of a bicultural identity. Pahua is a young Hmong girl who can see spirits, a gift that makes her feel lonely until she accidentally endangers her brother's soul and must embark on a high stakes quest to save him. While the story is a fast paced fantasy adventure, its heart lies in Pahua's journey toward self acceptance and honoring her heritage. It handles themes of grief, sibling love, and bravery with nuance. Parents will appreciate how it introduces deep Hmong cosmology in an accessible way for middle grade readers. It is an excellent choice for kids aged 8 to 12 who enjoy mythology-based quests but are looking for a story that reflects the specific challenges of growing up between different worlds.