How do we identify ourselves from the time we are little? We see ourselves reflected back from the outside world. When that world does not align with who we think we are, what kind of problems arise? When it is something as essential as your given name, it can be heartbreaking. Join these authors as they tell of how names can make and break us.
Location: Sunroom, UBC Robson Square
Type: Children (Age 4-8, Grades Pre-K - 3)
Sponsored by Y.P. Heung Foundation, Chris Spencer Foundation
Moderator: Emily Seo
Readers: H. Pham-Fraser, The Little Girl (FriesenPress) | Kuljinder Kaur Brar,My Name Is Saajin Singh (Annick Press)
About The Moderator
Emily Seo holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of British Columbia. She worked as an Associate Editor for two science journals and ran a multidisciplinary laboratory before experimenting with creative writing. The Science of Boys is her debut novel followed by two other children’s books, Our World: Japan and The Perfect Sushi.
About The Readers
Hieu has worked as an educator for over 27 years. She is currently a District Principal supporting schools in the area of equity, diversity and inclusion in the Metro Vancouver area. Hieu wrote this book because she saw a need for our society to understand that name is identity. After watching her students change or anglicize their names to better “fit in,” Hieu decided to share her story. This book is enjoyed by many children aged 2 to 18, especially for children of Asian descent as they can see themselves represented in stories. However, the lessons go much deeper for many adults as themes of microaggressions, structural racism and implicit bias can be reflected on after reading this book. Hieu hopes The Little Girl can help us think how we welcome others who don't look like us, speak like us, or have the same cultures and histories as we do.
KULJINDER KAUR BRAR is an elementary teacher and mom of two boys. She lives in Abbotsford and this is her first book. She has a son named Saajin who inspired the story.
