I’m excited to announce the release of my newest picture book, scheduled for October 13, 2026. I struggled for a long time to write a picture book biography about Yuri Kochiyama. Most people haven’t heard of her. She preferred to help in the background and not be front and center. Most people have heard of…
My author copies just arrived! I can’t wait to show you! Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación, and published by Red Comet Press This is the story of my heart. The manuscript that I struggled with for years, which was, at first, much too dark to be a children’s…
I am excited to announce that Barbed Wire Between Us made Kirkus’ list of The Most Anticipated Children’s Books of Spring 2026! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US by Mia Wenjen ; illustrated by Violeta Encarnación ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2026 A significant portrayal of ongoing U.S. civil rights violations, exposed through the experiences of young children. Japanese Chinese American…
Simon and I met years ago when he was seeking letters of support for the appeal to trademark his band’s name. At that time, we met over the phone. During the creation of We Sing from the Heart, we met over Zoom and via email. I also follow him on social media, so it feels…
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…
We are thrilled that We Sing From the Heart received a Social Justice award from the International Literacy Association! 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 Recommended Reading for the Social Justice Literature Award 2025…
I was able to see Salmon Run by Annie Chen at ALA in Philadelphia. It was hot off the presses. Not even the author/illustrator, Annie Chen, had seen it. It felt like a full circle moment because Annie Chen is my oldest daughter’s best friend from college. A dual degree RISD/Brown student, Annie took the…