Books written by me, Mia Wenjen.
As a mom, dedicated kidlit reader, author, and co-founder of the non-profit Multicultural Children’s Book Day, I’ve been on a decade-long journey to discover the best diversity books in children’s literature. With a determination to change the world, one book at a time, I created BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages…
My editor, Kandace Coston, gave me the good news! Sumo Joe received a really nice review from Kirkus Reviews. Here’s our review from Kirkus Reviews: SUMO JOE Author: Mia Wenjen Illustrator: Nat Iwata Review Issue Date: April 1, 2019Online Publish Date: March 17, 2019Publisher:Lee & Low Pages: 40 Price ( Hardcover ): $18.95 Publication Date: May 14, 2019ISBN ( Hardcover…
Andrea Wang and I have an Asian Culture and KidLit series. Today, I am releasing the cover of my debut picture book, Sumo Joe, illustrated by debut picture book illustrator Nat Iwata. I want everyone to meet my awesome illustrator, Nat Iwata, so I have interviewed him below. Asian Culture and KidLit series with…
I spoke at The Writers’ Loft on my background as an entrepreneur co-founding Aquent, a staffing company specializing in placing temporary employees in marketing and creative industries. In many ways, an entrepreneur and an author are similar. Both are trying to bring an idea to market. With this in mind, I tell the story of…
Did you know that picture book authors and illustrators do not communicate until the project is completed? I think it’s to give the illustrator some creative space to bring the words to life. No one likes to be micromanaged by someone else’s vision. My debut picture book, SUMO JOE, with illustrator Nat Iwata is not…
Attending Kweli’s The Color of Children’s Literature Conference brought me to New York City, with just enough time to squeeze in a visit to meet Kandace Coston, my editor at Lee and Low Books for SUMO JOE, illustrated by Nat Iwata. The office building is secured, so I had to have the security guard call me…
Did you know that 70% of all kids quit organized sports by the age of 13, with girls quitting at 6x the rate of boys? It’s not easy to keep girls in sports, and it’s a labor of love to coach, especially those who are volunteer parent coaches. We want to help. We are giving…