Local Author Publishes Book 50 Years After Fall of Saigon

Oconomowoc, April 30, 2025 - On the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, virtually ending the Vietnam war, Flanagan introduces her middle grade novel, Holding Onto Courage (All Things That Matter Press). The novel follows sisters Mai and Lang as they flee from Vietnam after being harrassed by North Vietnamese soldiers. The sisters experience a harrowing journey as Vietnamese refugees escape on a small fishing boat.

The dual timeline novel also tells a story taking place 46 years later of Mai’s granddaughter, Kim, who is facing her own harassment by teammates on a soccer field.

The two stories eventually come together into one. As Vietnamese refugee survivors, the sisters know that it takes courage to not quit in the face of adversity. It is their mission to convince Kim not to quit as well when the bullying on the soccer field becomes too much.

Flanagan is a former teacher from Woodside Elementary in Sussex. Her goal was to write a book for reluctant readers in her class who haven’t yet found a book they love. Holding Onto Courage is a high adventure novel focusing on a time period that very few kids know about. It was written for 5th - 8th graders.

“I chose to write about the Vietnamese boat people because kids learn about the American Revolution, Civil War, WWI and WWII in school, but many elementary kids haven’t heard of the Vietnam War. The 50th anniversary of the end of the war is a good time for kids to learn about this important time in history.” Flanagan said.

The novel is now available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books and Company Bookstore in Oconomowoc, and at www.kellyflanagan.me.

Contact Information:
Kelly Flanagan or All Things That Matter Press
flankj@gmail.com (Flanagan) or allthingsthatmatterpress@gmail.com (publisher)