Joanna Ho
Joanna Ho is passionate about equity in books and education. She has been an English teacher, a dean, and a teacher professional development mastermind. She is currently the vice principal of a high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. Homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids make Joanna’s eyes crinkle into crescent moons.
Kids Books (2)
Synopsis:
This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes and is a celebration of diversity.
A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future.
Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment. This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages.
Reviews
“When the narrator comes to describe her own eyes and acknowledges the power they hold, she is posed against swirling patterns, figures, and swaths of breathtaking landscapes from Chinese culture. This tale of self-acceptance and respect for one’s roots is breathtaking.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A young girl finds beauty in her uniqueness.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
“A poignant testament to familial love and legacy.”— Publishers Weekly
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Subjects / Themes / Keywords: Self-Esteem; Self-Acceptance; #ownvoices story; Family; Diverse Picture Books
Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 11.00"
Synopsis:
Names reveal generational ties and histories, weaving an intricate tale of the past. Names—and correctly saying them—are important. Each one carries the hopes, dreams, and traditions of those who came before us.
Six children connect with the reader and proudly celebrate their names and backgrounds: Hé Xiao-Guang, Ofa Kivaha Tupoumalohi, Bijan Hosseini, Nizhoni Yazzie, Xóchitl Luna, and Akosua Acheampong. These captivating kids of Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Navajo, Mexican, and Ghanaian descent also honor their ancestors and cultural histories.
Joanna Ho’s lyrical story, with gorgeous illustrations by Khoa Le, explains how saying a person’s name is the only way we can truly know another.
Reviews
"In moving, lyrical prose, the book celebrates the beauty and sounds of each name alongside their culture of origin... the author builds a strong case that everyone should embrace their names and honor and learn those with which they may not be familiar." — Kirkus Reviews(starred review)
"A moving title that honors its readers and encourages them to feel confident in their cultural identities."—School and Library Journal — School Library Journal
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 11.00" | Hardcover
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here to support the building of strong nations and help share Indigenous voices.
