Asian American Voices at the Highlights Foundation
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.
Craft & Education
Community & Resources
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
News and Resources
Scholarships for Asian American Voices at the Highlights Foundation
Blogs & Podcasts
3 Questions With Julie C. Dao and Wendy Xu about Novels and Graphic Novels
3 Questions With Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen About Using Humor to Elevate Your Picture Book, Early Reader, or Chapter Book
3 Questions With Mitali Perkins and Nora Shalaway Carpenter About What Great Dialogue Can Do For Your Story
3 Questions With Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen About Revising Your Picture Book
Upcoming Programs Featuring Asian American Voices
Working Retreat: Novelists and Graphic Novelists
Starts: May 19, 2024
From Pencil or Paint to Pixel: A Two-Night Mini for Beginning Illustrators
Starts: May 28, 2024
Graphic Novels for Beginners: A Two-Night Mini for Writers and Illustrators
Starts: June 3, 2024
Picture Book Plotting from A to Z: A 5-Week Online Course for Writers
Starts: July 18, 2024
Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (August)
Starts: August 14, 2024
Successful School Visits: A Three Part Online Course
Starts: August 28, 2024
From Idea & Sketch to Dummy & Submission: An Author/Illustrator Online Course
Starts: September 24, 2024
Working Retreat: Novels in Verse
Starts: October 6, 2024
Working Retreat: Chapter Books and Early Readers
Starts: October 13, 2024
Get Involved
How will you inspire kids by amplifying the voices of Asian American authors and illustrators?
