This month, I had the honor of returning to UCLA for the first time in over a decade. I had a meaningful conversation with with Professor Thuy Vo Dang and students about my first children’s book, My Ông Ngoại’s Garden: Cal’s Guide to Vietnamese Fruits and Garden. It was a full-circle moment for me. I had so much fun sharing my author journey with students at the very campus where I earned my BA in Asian American Studies and once served as Office Manager for the UCLA Asian American Studies Center.
Over 50 participants joined the event, and I shared my motivation behind self-publishing. Becoming a new mom inspired me to fill a gap in children’s literature by creating stories that reflect my experiences as a daughter of Vietnamese refugees who enjoy growing Asian fruits and sharing their harvest with the community. For many immigrant families, gardening is a connection to their homeland and can reflect their values.
I shared my experience of writing the manuscript, sourcing editors, overseeing illustrations, and marketing the book all while working full-time in higher education and raising a family. The Q&A and book signing at the end were especially meaningful, and I hope students left feeling inspired and empowered to tell their own stories and connect with their parents and grandparents.
Since publishing in 2023, I’ve had the honor of sharing my book across different platforms, including Nguoi Viet News, VAALA’s Viet Book Festival, the LA County Library’s AAPI Joy Festival, and more. These experiences have laid a strong foundation for what’s ahead in my children’s book journey.
Stay tuned for more stories celebrating Vietnamese culture in the future!
PS A special thanks to the following organizations for hosting my visit: UCLA School of Education and Information Studies, UCLA Institute of American Cultures, UCLA Asian American Studies Center, and the Department of Asian American Studies.