We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Victor Bizar Gomez
- ALSC Notable Children’s Book
- 2025 Carter G. Woodson Book Award Middle Level Honoree
- Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
- California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
- 2024 Julia Ward Howe Prize for Children’s Literature Winner
A compelling account of Simon Tam’s fight for free speech that ended with a landmark Supreme Court decision
Music is a way to transcend cultures and divides. Simon Tam used his band’s name, The Slants®, to make a powerful statement that racist insults could no longer be hurtful to Asian Americans. But then the U.S. Trade and Patent Office tries to stop him. In his eight-year battle to win trademark protection, Simon would go all the way to the Supreme Court in a landmark case to rout out structural racism in our government systems.
Mia Wenjen takes us back to Simon’s early days and the formation of the band, to the long battle to claim the name they chose to use. We learn of his motivations and the years-long struggle that leads ultimately to the Supreme Court of the United States. Told using lyrics from the band’s hit song about their trademark fight, this compelling story will keep readers riveted until the dramatic ending.
We Sing from the Heart gives background and context to the significance of Simon’s quest, not just for him and his band, but for free speech rights for us all. Newcomer to children’s books, Victor Bizar Gómez, channels the indie music world with dynamic artwork that complements the storytelling and is sure to draw in readers with his exciting graphic approach. [picture book, ages 8 and up]
This is the song that Simon Tam wrote about his trademark batter. Start your book event with this music video by The Slants:
What does the Supreme Court do? Understanding the 3 Branches of the U.S. Government:
Podcast about Simon Tam from Dorktales Storytime:
An inspiring story that will rock your world! Meet Simon Tam, the visionary founder of the Asian American band, The Slants. Follow his path from a young music lover to a trailblazing activist who stood up for free speech and fair representation. His desire to reclaim a hurtful term and turn it into something positive and empowering became a groundbreaking case at the U.S. Supreme Court. Discover how his fight for the band’s name became a victory for artistic expression. Simon’s story shows us that resilience, courage, and using one’s voice—and music—can make a difference.
Go to the episode webpage here.
Get a free activity guide on Simon Tam.
Simon Tam has great TED Talks on his trademark battle:
p.s. Related posts:
WE SING FROM THE HEART is Carter G. Woodson Book Award Honoree!
We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025!
WE SING FROM THE HEART is an ALSC Notable Children’s Book!
We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
Julia Ward Howe Award Presentation for We Sing From the Heart
WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
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We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
- ALSC Notable Children’s Book
- 2025 Carter G. Woodson Book Award Middle Level Honoree
- Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
- 2024 Julia Ward Howe Prize for Children’s Literature Winner
- California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
- Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year 2025
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
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The journey from band formation to the Supreme Court is a powerful example of using art for social change. It shows the impact individuals can have in challenging systemic issues.