T. Leung Abbott

After years of reading for AP English classes and a bachelor's degree in English literature, I was so tired of reading. I barely read for pleasure in the first few years after college, and it was really such a shame because I almost missed out on a new generation of creators who reignited my passion for literature. Thankfully, reading to my children helped me find that spark again and opened up a world of diverse kidlit that just didn't exist when I was younger.

 

I love books about all walks of life, but AANHPI stories hold a special place in my heart and make me feel seen and understood, which led me to start writing about the unique experience that comes with being mixed race.​

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I heard Cantonese throughout my childhood and then learned Mandarin in high school and college, but then I lived in Korea for a year and a half. Now I know Korean better than Chinese; it's very confusing to others and myself.

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But my multicultural experiences have taught me that our identities aren't static and there's always more to discover about ourselves. Sometimes, the right book can help us open that door.