Content warning: Anti-Asian racism and violence, anti-Black racism and violence, xenophobia, specific examples of violence against Asian Americans, historical context of racism and anti-Asian sentiment in the United States, COVID-19, wartime brutality By JoAnn Yao Eight people have been shot, … [Read more...] about Unapologetically Asian American
Black History Is Made Year-Round
As Black History Month comes to a close in the United States, we reiterate that Black history is not static, limited purely to the past — it is made year-round. The Black experience is not monolithic, and each story adds nuance to our collective understanding of it. Whether Black authors are … [Read more...] about Black History Is Made Year-Round
VIDEO: Illustrator Julia Kuo Draws for Us!
Julia Kuo spoke to us about the process of illustrating the picture book I DREAM OF POPO, out now, and gave a drawing demonstration! Want to read more about the book? Check out this personal essay from I DREAM OF POPO author Livia Blackburne as well. TRANSCRIPT: [We Need … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Illustrator Julia Kuo Draws for Us!
Writing Advice from WNDB Anthology Contributors
Over time, we've gathered bits of writing wisdom from the awesome writers who've contributed to our anthologies. We now present them in conjunction with Penguin Random House's Creative Writing Awards program in the hopes that they provide inspiration and guidance! High school seniors may apply … [Read more...] about Writing Advice from WNDB Anthology Contributors
Q&A with Doyin Richards, Watch Me
By JoAnn Yao Today we're pleased to welcome Doyin Richards to the blog to discuss his new picture book Watch Me: A Story of Immigration and Inspiration, out now! A picture book about immigration, WATCH ME is based on the author's father's own story. Joe came to America from Africa when he … [Read more...] about Q&A with Doyin Richards, Watch Me
VIDEO: Julie Abe Reading EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH
Author Julie Abe joins us to read an excerpt from her Middle Grade debut, EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH! Julie says: "If you love witches, Ghibli vibes, & underdog characters like Haikyuu's Hinata or BNHA's Midoriya, you might like Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, available now!" … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Julie Abe Reading EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH
VIDEO: Vong (V.T.) Bidania Talks Astrid & Apollo, Hmong Folk Tales, and More
Vong (V.T) Bidania talks about her new release Astrid and Apollo, the importance of seeing oneself in literature — and she tells us a scary Hmong folk tale. TRANSCRIPT: [We Need Diverse Books opening credits: text against an animated crinkling paper background. The text reads, "Book … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Vong (V.T.) Bidania Talks Astrid & Apollo, Hmong Folk Tales, and More
Finding Home in a World of Diverse Books
Content note: This essay briefly mentions acts of racialized violence and also mentions the COVID-19 pandemic. By JoAnn Yao Over two months into quarantine, I have not been able to finish reading a single book. I feel shame as I share this, especially since I work for an organization that … [Read more...] about Finding Home in a World of Diverse Books
Resources for Pacific Islander Heritage Month
By JoAnn Yao Pacific Islanders or Pasifika are indigenous peoples of the Pacific Islands, which contain a multitude of rich, distinct cultures. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we honor not only the Native people who hail from the Pacific Islands but folks in the Pacific … [Read more...] about Resources for Pacific Islander Heritage Month
