Forty Dollars and a Dream

A powerful memoir about Laura Robertson’s journey from being born into homelessness near a refugee camp to arriving in America as a Lao refugee with only forty dollars and a dream. Through hardship, survival, and determination, Laura shares how she overcame adversity and built a life rooted in resilience, purpose, and possibility.

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A Secret War Within Us

This deeply personal book brings awareness to the often-hidden mental health struggles experienced within refugee and immigrant communities. Drawing from Laura’s own experiences growing up, it explores the emotional impact of trauma, displacement, silence, and cultural stigma while encouraging healing, understanding, and open conversations about mental health.

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Noy’s Journey to Belonging

Inspired by Laura’s childhood, this heartfelt children’s story follows a young Lao refugee girl as she adjusts to life in America. While facing bullying, discrimination, and the pressure to fit in, Noy learns to embrace her culture, value her identity, and discover that true belonging begins with accepting who she is.

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Noy Meets Sangdee

In this cultural children’s story, Noy meets Sangdee, a special Lao elephant who helps her explore the beauty of Lao culture, traditions, and heritage. Their journey encourages children to remain curious, celebrate where they come from, and feel proud of the stories and customs that connect them to their families and communities.

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No, Cancer! He’s Taken

A moving account of Laura and her husband Marcello’s courageous fight against Stage 4 cancer. Told through the perspective of a devoted wife and caregiver, the book captures their love, faith, fear, hope, and determination throughout his six-month battle. It is a story of marriage, caregiving, grief, and the strength it takes to keep loving through life’s most painful season.