THE DIAMOND EXPLORER by Kao Kalia Yang introduces readers to Malcolm, the youngest child in a Hmong American family, as he interacts with others, including his ancestors, to find his place in the world. The multiple points of view in the book give readers a multilayered perspective on Malcolm’s experiences as a student, a brother, and a son and how those experiences shape him. As the story turns to Malcolm’s perspective, he begins a spiritual journey that takes him back to events in his family’s past, giving him a stronger connection to his own identity. A quiet, powerful book that explores the complexities of identity and culture.

The Diamond Explorer is such a beautiful story. In this book, we meet Malcolm, the youngest child of Hmong refugees. Malcolm is quiet, shy, polite, and often seems disengaged. But behind that front is an incredibly thoughtful, caring child who collects the stories of his ancestors. As we follow Malcolm as he grows up and learns to embrace his inner shaman, The Diamond Explorer utilizes a unique approach to multiple POV to explore not only who Malcolm is, but also how others perceive him. We hear from his family, his teachers, and his ancestors. The chapters from the teachers’ perspective are heartbreaking and highlight how racist assumptions and preconceived notions can mar one’s perception. Other chapters are heartbreaking because they highlight how even the best intentions can sometimes cause unknown harm. Still others are beautiful explorations of love, grief, and the feelings of being lost and then found. The Diamond Explorer is a wonderful middle grade debut.

The Diamond Explorer by Kao Kalia Yang is a powerful, moving and emotional middle grade novel. Through a carefully constructed sequence of sections, readers get to know Malcolm from the outside in. As Malcolm struggles to find his place in America and in his ancestral heritage, readers piece together his identity alongside him. As I was reading, I was struck by the realization that there is beauty in knowing and there is beauty in not knowing, too. Our journey as readers and humans is complicated and wonderful at the same time and we are lucky to have the chance to figure it all out. This is a beautiful book for all readers, young and old, but is especially applicable to educators, librarians, and those that care for children. This beautiful book will make you think and you'll hold Malcolm and his family in your heart for a long while.

As an adult I enjoyed this, but I cannot see a kid liking this book. It's an interesting story but the pacing is very strange. The first section of the book is talking about Malcom from the perspective of the adults in his life. The second is bits of his perspective mixed with the adults again. The last is him getting lost in the spiritual world and him being told stories from family members who passed. It's an interesting concept but I feel like I didn't know Malcom at all as a character.

What a wonderful little middle grade! This was stuffed full of culture, grief and realistic family issues who love all the same, and magical tidbits. I loved Malcolm so much! I recommend for anybody of any age, despite its middle grade range, there is so much to take from this as a kid, a teen, or even an adult. I will be looking at more from this author in the future.