Ellen Oh, a former adjunct college instructor and lawyer, possesses an insatiable curiosity for ancient Asian history. Her passion for culture extends to martial arts films, K-pop, K-dramas, and cooking shows, along with a fervent admiration for The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. As a co-founder of We Need Diverse Books (WNDB), she champions increased diversity in children's literature. Her writing draws from this deep interest in culture and history, crafting engaging narratives.
The anthology features the intertwined stories of multigenerational immigrant families living in the Entrada apartment building, showcasing their diverse experiences and perspectives. Edited by Ellen Oh, a founding member of We Need Diverse Books, this collection aims to inspire young readers by highlighting themes of community, resilience, and the immigrant experience through engaging narratives.
Mina Lee, a seventeen-year-old Korean American, experiences a dramatic shift in her reality when she becomes immersed in the universe of her own webcomic. As she navigates this new world, she must confront the challenges and adventures that arise, blending her artistic aspirations with the complexities of her life. This unique premise explores themes of identity, creativity, and the intersection of fiction and reality.
The book offers a compelling examination of contemporary Asian American identity through interconnected narratives set in a bustling Chicago airport. Featuring contributions from acclaimed East and Southeast Asian American authors, it weaves together diverse experiences and perspectives, making it a rich tapestry of cultural exploration. The stories resonate with themes of belonging and self-discovery, drawing comparisons to celebrated works like Flying Lessons and Black Boy Joy.
The heartfelt exploration of character relationships unfolds as Haru, a pup, embarks on a journey filled with encounters with diverse and fully realized animals. This multilayered narrative emphasizes the emotional bonds between humans and their pets, making it a touching and essential read for animal lovers.
But when racist graffiti appears at her middle school, Junie must decide between staying silent or speaking out.Then Junie's history teacher assigns a project and Junie decides to interview her grandparents, learning about their unbelievable experiences as kids during the Korean War.
Perfect for fans of Wing & Claw, this must-have middle grade novel is from We Need Diverse Books cofounder Ellen Oh! Filled with strange terrains, creatures, and magic, this is an enthralling read! --Soman Chainani, author of the New York Times bestselling School for Good and Evil series A rich and wonderfully imagined story about the many ways young people can be powerful and the tremendous benefits of awakening your inner dragon. --Annie Ursu, National Book Award for Young People's Literature nominee for The Real Boy By drawing inspiration from Korean lore and culture, Ellen Oh is helping to reinvigorate the fantasy genre. Readers will love The Dragon Egg Princess for its humor, inventive magic, and thrilling action! --Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author In a kingdom filled with magic, Jiho Park and his family are an anomaly--magic doesn't affect them. Jiho comes from a long line of forest rangers who protect the Kidahara--an ancient and mysterious wood that is home to powerful supernatural creatures. But Jiho wants nothing to do with the dangerous forest. Five years ago, his father walked into the Kidahara and disappeared. Just like the young Princess Koko, the only daughter of the kingdom's royal family. Jiho knows better than anyone else the horrors that live deep in the magical forest and how those who go in never come back. Now the forest is in danger from foreign forces that want to destroy it, and a long-forgotten evil that's been lurking deep in the Kidahara for centuries finally begins to awaken. Can a magic-less boy, a fierce bandit leader, and a lost princess join forces and save their worlds before it's too late?
In this exciting sequel, the story continues to delve into the adventures of the Spirit Hunters as they confront new supernatural challenges. The characters face deeper mysteries and heightened tensions, exploring themes of friendship and courage. As they navigate their haunted surroundings, the narrative promises to blend suspense with emotional growth, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists and captivating encounters.
Star-crossed lovers, meddling immortals, feigned identities, battles of wits, and dire warnings: these are the stuff of fairy tale, myth, and folklore that have drawn us in for centuries. Fifteen bestselling and acclaimed authors reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in short stories that are by turns enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate. Compiled by We Need Diverse Books’s Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman, the authors included in this exquisite collection are: Renée Ahdieh, Sona Charaipotra, Preeti Chhibber, Roshani Chokshi, Aliette de Bodard, Melissa de la Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Rahul Kanakia, Lori M. Lee, E. C. Myers, Cindy Pon, Aisha Saeed, Shveta Thakrar, and Alyssa Wong. A mountain loses her heart. Two sisters transform into birds to escape captivity. A young man learns the true meaning of sacrifice. A young woman takes up her mother’s mantle and leads the dead to their final resting place. From fantasy to science fiction to contemporary, from romance to tales of revenge, these stories will beguile readers from start to finish. For fans of Neil Gaiman’s Unnatural Creatures and Ameriie’s New York Times–bestselling Because You Love to Hate Me.
There's plenty of magic in this collection to go around. -Booklist, Starred A natural for middle school classrooms and libraries, this strong collection should find eager readers. -Kirkus Reviews, Starred Inclusive, authentic, and eminently readable, this collection of short stories is an excellent addition for libraries and classrooms. -School Library Journal, Starred Thought provoking and wide-ranging, this first anthology from WNDB should not be missed. -Publishers Weekly, Starred Whether or not middle-schoolers read the afterword . . . they are sure to agree that they need to read more books by these authors, whose storytelling styles and genuine feel for adolescent struggles and triumphs will inspire them to seek out their other work. -The Bulletin, Starred
Fans of fantasy and action/adventure will find a captivating experience in this story, crafted by Ellen Oh, a prominent advocate for diverse literature. The narrative promises strong character development and thrilling adventures, appealing to readers who enjoy the works of Kristin Cashore, Tamora Pierce, and Marie Lu. With its emphasis on diversity and representation, the book stands out in the genre, offering a fresh perspective and engaging plot that will resonate with a wide audience.