2.3: Bringing Chinese Culture Into Our Homes with Children's Author Andrea Wang

Jan 23, 2020

Lunar New Year is right around the corner. What are you doing to teach your children about the traditions and history of this holiday? 

Listen in to my conversation with children’s author Andrea Wang to learn how we can bring Chinese culture into our homes and get involved with the Chinese community in our area. Not only is Andrea a talented, hilarious writer, she also has two boys and an advanced degree in environmental science. It was such a joy to connect with someone I admire so much! 

In this episode we discuss:

• Andrea’s path to becoming an author and her inspiration behind writing “The Nian Monster.”
• Lunar New Year, her favorite Lunar New Year traditions, and how families who don’t usually celebrate Lunar New Year can get involved.
• Her experiences growing up in a predominantly white community.
• The importance of teaching our children about implicit bias and how to help your children dispel stereotypes they may have about the Chinese community
• The #ownvoices movement in which authors of color and other marginalized groups are advocating for themselves and fighting for the space to tell their own story
• The importance of having an inclusive bookshelf

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Andrea Wang’s website

Andrea Wang’s Instagram

Andrea Wang’s Twitter

We Need Diverse Books

Andrea Wang’s books on the First Name Basis Bookshop

OurStory App

Grace Lin’s essay about “Tikki Tikki Tembo”

 

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood