This weekend, I had a meaningful experience of leading a storytime at the Festival of AAPI Books at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, where I shared My Ông Ngoại's Garden with children and families. One of the most rewarding moments was introducing young readers to fruits like rambutan and dragon fruit, and seeing their faces light up.
I also had the opportunity to connect with fellow authors, local artists, educators, and nonprofit leaders who are each advancing AAPI representation through literature, education, and community engagement.
The festival was a reminder of what's possible when a community rallies around books, culture, and representation. Grassroots initiatives like this create meaningful opportunities to elevate AAPI voices, foster cross-cultural understanding, and inspire the next generation of readers and storytellers.
I am deeply grateful to the organizers, volunteers, and everyone who made this event possible. Experiences like these continue to affirm why I chose the self-publishing path to create stories that help children see themselves, their families, and their cultures.
#FestivalOfAAPIBooks #CommunityBuilding #ChildrensBooks #DiverseBooks #SelfPublishedAuthor