Today, I would like to highlight a very popular author that you might not have heard of. Grace Lin is a young children's author who writes about cultural diversity, and what it is like growing up in America. Her parents are Taiwanese, so she pulls on her personal experiences to create magnificent books! She writes folklore and inspirational books for children as well!
From her website at:
"Grace Lin, a NY Times bestselling author/ illustrator, won the Newbery Honor for "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" and the Theodor Geisel Honor for "Ling and Ting." Her novel "When the Sea Turned to Silver" was a National Book Award Finalist and her picture book, "A Big Mooncake for Little Star" was awarded the Caldecott Honor. Grace is also an occasional commentator for New England Public Radio, a reviewer for the NY Times, a video essayist for PBS NewsHour, and the speaker of the popular TEDx talk, “The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’s Bookshelf," as well as hosting the two podcasts: kidlitwomen* and Kids Ask Authors. In 2016, Grace’s art was displayed at the White House where Grace, herself, was recognized by President Obama’s office as a Champion of Change for Asian American and Pacific Islander Art and Storytelling."
Grace Lin has written 30+ books, so you are sure to find something interesting! Here are just a couple of her books, with a description.
"Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin
In the valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man of the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.
"Kite Flying" by Grace Lin
A family makes a trip to the local craft store for paper, glue, and paint to make kites. Everyone has a job in making their dragon kite ready to fly. Celebrating the Chinese tradition of kite making and kite flying, this story lovingly depicts a family bonded by this ancient and modern pleasure and presents a history of kites.
These are just 2 of the magnificent stories by Grace Lin. I love her work, and I bet you will too! Come in and check them out!
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