When I went to Gael’s book signing, I picked up a few other picture books.
I have been watching Joanna Ho’s posts on We Who Produce Pearls, for awhile. The cover and illustrations by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya are gorgeous. Illustrations that you want to frame on your kid’s walls. It’s the type of book that gives you chills. It’s THAT good. There is so much depth in the words that are written for children, but that also speaks to adults.
It’s written as a poetic anthem so while no specific events are detailed in the main part of the book (the back matter addresses them), Ho reveals history through her beautiful descriptions. Kids might miss this and adults too. But you can also read the back matter for explanations for lines like, “We who resist…We who stand up…” Each foretell a time in history where different Asian cultures fought against discrimination and war.
I can only imagine how much work this took to encompass all Asian American history as well as to get the details right. To speak to the ears of Asian American children but also to pass down this information so it’s not forgotten in today’s ban book culture.
This is no ordinary picture book. This book can change lives. It’s changed mine.
The author’s and artist’s notes could standalone as its own book. Amanda says, “To see yourself represented at last…We are stardust and seafoam, thunder and whisper.”
I think this is where the chicken skin comes in. I felt immensely proud of my heritage and all Asian people. It’s amazing to be able to read something that represents my family’s history. It’s a piece that has been missing in my childhood and I am so grateful to that it exists in children’s literature today.
