While I have been loving learning about all these incredible women, the frustrating part is that there is literally no children’s books written about pretty much any of them. While I have started to write myself I would please like to put out the idea to authors to PLEASE WRITE A BOOK ABOUT THESE AMAZING PEOPLE! Thanks!
KNOWN AS: Vicki Draves
NAME: Victoria Manalo Draves
DATES: 1924-2010
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Born to an English mother and Filipino father, this Filipina American was the first in Olympic history to win gold in both springboard and platform diving at the 1948 London Olympics. She also was the first Asian American Olympic gold champion paving the way for others.
LEARN MORE:
Triumph of Vicki Manalo Draves
KNOWN AS: Tiffany Chin
NAME: Audrey Tiffany Chin
DATES: 1967-
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Tiffany was the first person of non-European descent to be the U.S. figure skating champion when she won in 1985. Her example paved the way for more skaters notably Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi.
LEARN MORE:
7 Asian American sports trailblazers who changed the games.
BOOKS
Unfortunately there are no children’s books about either Vicki Manalo Draves or Tiffany Chin.
KNOWN AS: Dorothy Toy
Things have changed very quickly to say the least. I pulled my kids from school a week before the official closures, stressed and worried how their lives will forever be impacted. I look to my parents’ example for strength. My mom revealed that many of my fond childhood memories spending hours at my father’s store came about because he worked six days a week to make ends meet, but didn’t want to give up family time. Thanks to their love, strength, and creativity, I had no idea that we were struggling. I chose this book because it reminded me how many parents, myself included, have the same hope; that our children’s memories during this difficult time will be of how much we love them.
In honor of international woman’s day I want to introduce this new biography and recipient of the APALA Literature Award for the picture book category. Wu Chien Shiung was an immigrant from China who became a talented physicist. She was crucial in proving new theories but was passed up for the Nobel Peace Prize not once, not twice…but THREE times! It’s safe to say that recognition for her contributions is loooong overdue!
Growing up Chinese Filipino there were comments from both communities regarding colorism. If you were born with a fair complexion, you were considered “beautiful” and “the ideal”. You must also cover up to maintain it, along with countless cosmetics and lotions designed to lighten your complexion. If you were dark, it meant that you were “low-class” and “less desirable”. Luckily those messages never stuck personally, but I know it continues to be a major issue in many communities. That is why this title is so vital in teaching that there is more to being beautiful.
In my own reading history this is the first picture book I’ve seen that features a Hmong American character. Even rarer is the girl and her family is portrayed in a contemporary setting. The narrative of this title is so poetic and peaceful. The tone and illustrations leaves you with a lingering feeling of comfort, the same type of feeling you get after sitting and letting your eyes quietly explore a beautiful natural scenery. A gentle read.
I gasped in awe at how powerful this book was when I first read it. It was no surprise to later learn that it is not only the 2020 Caldecott Medal winner, but also a Coretta Scott King Illustrator winner, as well as a 2020 Newbery Honor Book. It also has the most epic book trailer I have ever seen! If you are unfamiliar, 
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