Speaking at Asian American Studies at UMass Boston

It was such a pleasure to speak at UMass Boston Asian American Studies class recently, taught by Dr. MinJin Kim.

My thanks to Priya Sonal who found me on social media. She wrote to me:

Hello Ms Mia,
I saw your recent post on Instagram, My heart felt sorry for you and your family’s loss. I can see, your mother had a good fulfilling life, and you as her daughter, she must be so proud and lucky and vice-versa:)

I am TA in “Asian Women in the US class”, classes timings are 2-2:50pm, Monday-Wednesday-Friday. As I talked to you in Instagram about you as being a guest speaker as I got to know about your contribution for being so active in community as of yours “multiculturalhildrensbookday.com” ; “howtocoachgirls.com” ; “aquent.com” and your debut picture book “Sumo Joe”… Students can listen to your story, challenges, hard work, your perseverance…

Thanks,

Sincerely,

Priya Sonal

I had never been to UMass Boston before. I was supposed to tour it this past fall with my Transitioning Together (First To College) Mentorship program at my kids’ high school. I mentor a high school student there but she is interested in art school and had to study for the TOEFL so we both skipped the college tour. It’s a beautiful campus!

Dr. Kim asked me to speak about my publishing journey as a debut picture book author and about diversity in children’s book publishing as the primary focus of my talk. I rambled on and on and so there wasn’t time for Q and A at the end.

Her students wrote me feedback and gave me permission to post it here:

Speaking at Asian American Studies at UMass Boston

UMass Boston has my heart! Thank you so much Dr. Kim, Priya, and all the students in the class. I had a wonderful time and I am so grateful for the chance to meet you all!

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My books:

Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

- - Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  - Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  - Starred review from School Library Journal
  - Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  - 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  - Green Earth Book Award longlist
  - Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me