With gentleness and empathy, this beautiful story follows a young boy as he learns how a word that may seem funny to one person can be hurtful to another.

"When Words Have Power. . . follows a boy as he learns how a word that may seem funny to one person can be hurtful to another."
-Publishers Weekly, Fall Children's Announcements

Henry overhears someone calling his Chinese American mother a strange name at the market: "banana." But Henry doesn't understand. A banana is just a piece of fruit. What's the big deal? And what does the name mean?

With beautiful illustrations, When Words Have Power gently reveals the powerful effect microaggressions and name calling can have, and instead shows how a little kindness and respect can lead to bright, new friendships and stronger relationships with loved ones.

AWARDS: submit widely to children's book awards, including Ezra Jack Keats Award, and awards focusing on Asian/Asian-American authors and subject matter
ADVERTISING: boosted social posts and AMS ads
EVENTS: virtual/in-person author events with bookstores and libraries, focusing on San Francisco/Bay Area
REVIEWS: review and interview outreach to children's book media, focusing on diverse picture books, bookstagrammers, and parenting/family media
ONLINE: full social media campaign utilizing illustrations from the book and outreach to kid lit bookstagrammers and reviewers; book trailer
PROMOTION: DRC via Edelweiss and hard copy ARC available; giveaways via Goodreads, LibraryThing
TRADESHOWS: giveaways/features at ALA

About the Author
Lisa Chong enjoys using her creative talents in a variety of ways in both her work and personal life. She is proud to use her creativity to make a difference through her writing. Lisa lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Kaitlin Yang is a children's book designer by day and illustrator by night in New York City. Born and raised in Taiwan, her international background prompts her to explore different cultures, emotions, and beliefs in her artwork.

Reviews

"When Words Have Power by Lisa Chong, illus. by Kaitlin Yang, follow[s] an Asian American boy who learns about the power of words during his everyday encounters."
-Publishers Weekly, Fall 2022 Children's Sneak Previews

"Through beautiful full-page illustrations and vignettes, Henry, our protagonist, learns a valuable lesson about the effects that microaggressions and undesired nicknames can have on people... The art ranges from printed to hand-drawn and invite the reader the linger, especially with the variety of bright colors used. Overall I really enjoyed the storyline, the lesson, and the illustrations that helped to tie together an important lesson." -Youth Services Book Review



Book Information
ISBN 9781513134857
Author Lisa Chong
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint West Margin Press
Publisher West Margin Press