interview

Last summer (pre-baby bulge!), I participated in an Asian American Author Series of interviews for Primary Source. Other authors in the series include the lovely Mitali Perkins, Jean Kwok and GB Tran. Here is a excerpt of one of my interview (you can see more here):




I actually had forgotten what I had said about the "Little House" books until recently. But even though "Ma hating Indians" made me feel insecure about my own racial identity, I wouldn't have them censor out Ma's hatred, now. I didn't like it, but it was true sentiment and one that showed how even good people could believe/feel things that weren't right. When I began to witness different kinds of racism--Asians against Blacks, Chinese against Japanese, Asian-Americans against Asians-- that sometimes originated from people I trusted and loved,  books like "Little House" set the groundwork for me to realize that what the adults around me thought weren't always the right things to think, especially when it came to things like race.
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Published on February 25, 2012 07:26
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message 1: by Barb (new)

Barb Middleton Jack Gantos Newbery Medal book, Dead End in Norvelt, also shows racism in the father's disrespect for other cultures. It's countered by Miss Volker who says it isn't right. I've had some interesting conversations with fifth graders about this. I like how you phrased your thoughts above (I printed it out and put it in my reading log ;) Next time I read from his book I'll include what you say about racism. Our school in Taiwan has many Grace Lin fans and would be interested in your thoughts.


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