The Rock in My Throat

Reach for this book when your child seems to have two different personalities: one who is vibrant and talkative at home, and another who is completely frozen and silent in public or at school. This moving memoir explores the internal world of a young Hmong immigrant girl who experiences selective mutism. It validates the physical sensation of anxiety, described as a heavy rock in the throat, and shows that silence is often a protective shell rather than a lack of things to say. Parents will find this a vital tool for supporting children who feel 'different' or who struggle with social anxiety and the pressure to perform. It frames the child's silence not as a behavioral problem to be fixed, but as a journey of self-preservation and gradual courage. Ideal for children ages 5 to 9, it provides a gentle bridge to discuss big feelings, the immigrant experience, and the quiet strength found in family love.