Asian American Voices at the Highlights Foundation

Asian American Voices book covers
AAV group photo

Our Goal

To inspire children through story by amplifying the voices of Asian American authors & illustrators.

Our Action:

Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for Asian American creatives and professionals in and around the children’s book industry.

Testimonials from the Asian American community

Being in-community with other Asian American authors and illustrators was amazing—I immediately felt at home.

The very first reader mail l received for Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen is framed on my wall to remind me that no matter what reviewers say, I write for these young readers. According to her teacher, an Asian American third grader had zero interest in reading or writing, but after she read Mochi Queen, she started reading—and decided she wanted to be a writer. At the end of third grade, she wrote and illustrated Jasmine Toguchi, Baking Queen (Book 5), and with the help of her teacher, made copies for all the third grade classes (and for me). Sometimes I have to pinch myself that there are actual readers out there reading and enjoying my books. This is a dream come true.

Thanks to the Asian American Voices Collective, stewarded by Grace Lin and Debbi Michiko Florence, for sponsoring Cabin 8 at the Highlights Foundation.

Cabin 8 Supported by the Asian American Voices Collective

When visitors come to the cabin, they’ll be surrounded and inspired by the work of our community, and our Asian American voices will be seen, heard, and amplified at the Highlights Foundation.  The scholarships will play a meaningful role as they support Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander storytellers who inspire children through story.

Grace Lin & Debbi Michiko Florence

Celebrating the cabin at the 2024 In-Community Retreat

News and Resources

Scholarships for Asian American Voices at the Highlights Foundation

Asian & Asian American Storyteller Scholarship for Asian and Asian American storytellers
Pacific Islander Storyteller Scholarship

Blogs & Podcasts

Two Writers Unlock progress on their Novels Through Revision and Their Whole Novel Workshop Scholarships

Celebrating a Book Birthday with Anita Yusuda

Celebrating a Book Birthday with Anita Yusuda

Scholarship Recipient Makes Significant Progress on a Middle Grade Draft + New Community Connections

Celebrating a Book Birthday with Lee Wind and Jieting Chen

Celebrating a Book Birthday with Lee Wind and Jieting Chen

Upcoming Programs Featuring Asian American Voices

Working Retreat: Novels in Verse

Working Retreat: Novels in Verse

Starts: October 6, 2024

Working Retreat: Chapter Books and Early Readers

Working Retreat: Chapter Books and Early Readers

Starts: October 13, 2024

Brainstorm Like a Boss: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Creatives

Brainstorm Like a Boss: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Creatives

Starts: October 21, 2024

Get Involved

How will you inspire kids by amplifying the voices of Asian American authors and illustrators?

 

Our Mission in Action

Share Your Story, Inspire a Child
Scholarships
Equity & Inclusion in Kidlit
Partners & Sponsors

The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.