Wandering Swallow: A Young Girl’s Quest for Freedom

Author: Milico Mathers

In a land where survival is a daily struggle and freedom feels out of reach, Wandering Swallow tells the gripping story of Hana and her grandfather’s daring escape from famine-stricken North Korea. Set in 1995, as famine claims over a million lives, Hana and her grandfather flee to China, where every step is shadowed by the threat of capture and forced deportation. Their urgency grows as China’s impending control over Hong Kong adds to the peril of their journey.

With the help of Lù kè, a survivor of the Tiananmen Square massacre, they navigate a treacherous path from Dandong to Hong Kong. Along the way, they confront hardship, discover courage, and uncover deeper truths about freedom and faith.

Blending Chinese historical fiction with Christian themes, Wandering Swallow is a heart-pounding middle-school adventure. Winner of the Florida Christian Writers Sonshine Award (First Place) and a 2023 finalist for Serious Writer’s Writer of the Year, this powerful tale of resilience and faith offers readers an inspiring look at hope in the face of adversity.