Dia's Story Cloth: The Hmong People's Journey of Freedom

By Dia, Chue, and Nhia Thao Cha

Ebook

View the Teacher's Guide

For centuries, needlework has been part of Hmong culture. But it has only been since the war in Vietnam and Laos, which displaced many Hmong, that the new, narrative form of ''story cloths'' has emerged, a bridge between past and present.

Dia Cha and her family experienced this displacement. Born in Laos, Dia fled with her family to Thailand as a child, spending four years in a refugee camp before arriving in the U.S. Her story is shared by many Hmong Americans.

As told through the story cloth stitched by her aunt and uncle, the Hmong people's search for freedom began long ago in China. Dia’s Story Cloth explores many aspects of the Hmong experience from peace and war in Asia to new beginnings in America. Through Dia's story, young children can see that the search for freedom transcends all cultures.

This book includes a compendium of Hmong culture: their history, traditions, and stitchery techniques.

Check out how to use Dia’s Story Cloth to teach Hmong history and culture through story cloths by Dr. Ava L. McCall, Distinguished Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.