Santa Clara Public Library

Explore AAPI heroes through student-made biographies, fun activities, and an interview with author Oliver Chin!

How did Steve Chen found Youtube? How did Kalpana Chawla become an aerospace engineer and the first Indian American woman in space? What challenges did Chien-Shiung Wu overcome to become “Queen of Physics and Nuclear Research?” What are AAPI's (Asian American and Pacific Islander) cultural and historical contributions to the U.S. and the world? What can we learn from them?

Come meet the young authors for the world’s first student-made AAPI Biography online library (https://read.bookcreator.com/library/-MXeo_UiM5-G2rCdpaNo)! They will share how they conducted research, made the E-books and book trailer movies; and how they learned about grit, goal setting, intrinsic motivation and growth mindset as they explore the life journey of their selected AAPI heroes.

This project was created and directed by Dr. Jiang Pu. She created this project after she learned from the educators that they have read ZERO AAPI biographies during their own K-12 schooling; and that until today very little is taught about AAPI history in the K-12 curriculum. She will talk about how parents and teachers can use biographies not only to teach about history, but also help ignite the power of curiosity and motivation as students research, write, and learn about multimedia creative design, digital publishing, empathy and audience awareness.

We’ll also have published author Oliver Chin, and one of the teachers for this project, talk about his book “"Awesome Asian Americans: 20 stars who made American Amazing".

We will do a few fun & interactive activities, such as teaching the kids how to do illustrations/comics for an AAPI hero, and do audios/dubbings, etc. There will be Q&As if time allows!

This event will be suitable for kids (K-12), parents and educators.

Eventbrite registration is required. Registration ends on May 28th at 1 pm. Participants who have registered will be given access credentials on May 28th by 2 pm.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Northsidelibrary@santaclaraca.gov.