Books are such a powerful teaching tool because they give us glimpses into experiences beyond our own — which is something children’s book author Andrea Wang is an expert at.

Andrea’s books are beautiful for many reasons — they’ll make you laugh, they’ll make you cry, and they’ll help you better understand Chinese and other Asian cultures. I can’t recommend her picture books and middle grade novels enough for you and your kiddos.

Andrea previously joined me on the podcast to discuss how we can bring Chinese culture into our homes, and she graciously agreed to speak with me again, this time to unpack two specific Asian stereotypes and how we can teach our children to be in solidarity with the Asian community and push back against these stereotypes.

In this conversation, Andrea and I discuss:

• Asian stereotypes surrounding food and how we respond to them.
• Stereotypes about Asian names and how we can be more sensitive.
• Her recent books — “Watercress” and “The Many Meanings of Meilan.” 
• How children’s books can serve as a springboard for teachable moments.
• How Andrea’s books include relatable experiences.
• Andrea’s hope for her books to show common humanity among races.

 

Race Talk Roadmap

Our Race Talk Roadmap is the tool you need to begin conversations about race and racism with your children! We have a list of three tips for parents of older children and a list of three tips for parents of younger children. Visit firstnamebasis.org/racetalk to get the Race Talk Roadmap sent straight to your inbox.

 

Ally Elementary 

Parents have been asking for a practical, interactive way to implement the anti-racist strategies that I lay out in the First Name Basis Podcast. So this October we are launching “Ally Elementary: Anti-Racist Education For Families." 

During this five-week program parents will work together with their children to create a culture of anti-racism in their home, and I will be there to guide them every step of the way. We will use hands-on activities to teach our children about everything from the untold story of how race was created to how they can disrupt racism in their everyday lives. I am so excited to watch the families in our community make a meaningful transformation and improve their communities through anti-racist action.

Click here to the waitlist!

 

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced In The Episode 

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 3: “Bringing Chinese Culture Into Our Homes”

Andrea Wang’s website

Andrea Wang’s Instagram

Andrea Wang’s Twitter

Andrea’s books:

• “The Many Meanings of Meilan”
• “Learning About Asia”
• “Magic Ramen”
• “Watercress”
• “The Nian Monster”
• “Lilu and the Language of Tea” (coming soon!)

Uzoamaka Aduba talks about the importance of her name 

“A Different Pond” by Bao Phi and illustrated by Thi Bui

“AsianAm TikTok creator Kim Saira on James Corden late show, calls 'Spill Your Guts’ racist”

 

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN