Author Andrea Wang on Growing up Chinese-American in the Midwest

Children's and middle-grade author Andrea Wang talks about her
two new releases for young readers—both exploring
Chinese-American identity and growing up in the Midwest.
Watercress is a gorgeous picture book about feeling out of
place, about family and about family history. The Many
Meanings of Meilan finds a middle-grade girl dealing with the
upheaval of a big move to a small town, racism, and growing up.


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About Andrea
Andrea Wang is the award-winning author of picture books The
Nian Monster (Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature
Honor) and Magic Ramen (Freeman Book Award Honor). She has
two books releasing in 2021: Watercress (2021 Boston
Globe-Horn Book Honor Award, JLG Gold Standard Selection, starred
reviews from BCCB, Horn Book, Kirkus, PW, and SLJ); and The
Many Meanings of Meilan, her debut middle grade novel. Her
work explores culture, creative thinking, and identity. She is
also the author of seven nonfiction titles for the library and
school market. Andrea holds an M.S. in Environmental Science and
an M.F.A. in Creative Writing for Young People. She lives in the
Denver area with her family.