“Lerner’s commitment to diversity shines through in From the Tops of the Trees, with Kalia’s strong narrative and Rachel’s signature usage of rich color and texture,” said Adam Lerner, Publisher and CEO of Lerner Publishing Group. “We are thrilled that the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature has recognized this powerful story that authentically portrays a father’s tenderness as he encourages his daughter to dream of a life beyond their difficult circumstances.”
 
“When I heard the news, goosebumps grew on my arms and a shiver passed through my body,” said From the Tops of the Trees author Kao Kalia Yang. “My heart halted its run and for a moment, I got to live in the stillness of a beautiful moment. I’m hopeful that refugee children from everywhere will have one more book to look to for representation.”
 
“With this recognition from the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, I feel like I am with Little Kalia at the top of the tallest tree in the camp, secure in the arms of a loved one, seeing the spread of a world beyond,” said From the Tops of the Trees illustrator Rachel Wada. “I hope that this special story of resilience and generational hope will continue to reach audiences far and wide.”