To honor Asian Heritage Month, we’re featuring Asian American Women in Science: 15 Inspiring People You Should Know by Tina Cho.
About Tina Cho
Tina is an award-winning children’s lit author. She grew up right here in Iowa and became a teacher. Then she travelled to South Korea to teach in an American school. Now, she’s back in the state, working as a kindergarten teacher in Johnston Community Schools. We’re also proud to say she’s a Drake alum.
She stopped by the blog this month to talk about the book and honor Asian American Heritage Month. She’s even donated a copy to give away to some lucky winner!
Q & A
Q: What makes Asian-American Women in Science an important book? What do you want kids and/or teachers to know about it?
A: Asian American Women in Science is important because, to my knowledge, there isn’t a collection of Asian women scientists like this out there for children. It’s important for Asian American girls, especially, to see that they can grow up to be scientists. These fifteen women make excellent STEM role models for teachers to use in the classroom.
Q: How long did you spend researching this book?
A: Because this was a work-for-hire book, I only had a little over a month to write. I got in a groove of quickly researching and writing in order to make the deadlines.
Q: What was the most interesting element or person you learned about while writing the book?
A: I was especially impressed by Alice Min Soo Chun, because, while I was writing about her, she was on the field in Haiti, helping those in the earthquake.
Q: How might teachers parents use this book in a classroom or learning situation?
A: Teachers and parents could use this book as a collection of BIPOC biographies, as examples of those who never gave up on their dreams. The book could be used as a springboard to introduce students to Asian American women scientists, and if students wanted even further information, they could find out more about each scientist using the “Explore More” sidebars.
Meet Tina at Storytime!
On Saturday, May 28, at 11:45 a.m., Tina will be reading another story of hers, THE OCEAN CALLS: A HAENYEO MERMAID STORY, at the CelebrASIAN Festival. The event will be at Western Gateway Park, located in downtown Des Moines. She’ll be in the Korean Village, along Locust Street between 12th & 13th Street.
More on Tina’s Books
Tina has four books out right now, including:
Rice from Heaven: The Secret Mission to Feed North Koreans — From a Publishers Weekly Review
“In a story at once lyrical and hard-hitting, Cho, a South Korean resident, reimagines a 2016 humanitarian mission in which she participated involving a clandestine rice delivery, via helium balloons, to hungry North Koreans…Concluding notes on the history, culture, and politics of the Korean peninsula provide context for this eye-opening, hopeful story.”
Korean Celebrations — From Cho’s website:
This book takes young readers on an exploration of Korea’s colorful festivals and family celebrations. Kids will learn about Seollal (Lunar New Year), Dano, Chuseok (Harvest), Children’s Day, and many more. Features crafts, activities, and recipes.
My Breakfast with Jesus — From Cho’s website:
Children around the world share Jesus’ love through their different breakfasts, inspired by the iconic moment in the Bible when Jesus makes breakfast for the disciples on the beach.
The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story — From a starred Kirkus Review: