SHINING STAR: THE ANNA MAY WONG STORY
BY PAULA YOO AND ILLUSTRATED BY LIN WANG
http://paulayoo.com/
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (May 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600602592
ISBN-13: 978-1600602597

I am proud to announce that my latest book, "SHINING STAR: THE ANNA MAY WONG STORY," a children's non-fiction picture book published by Lee & Low Books, debuts today!

Born in 1905, Anna May Wong spent her childhood working in her family’s laundry in Los Angeles’s Chinatown. Whenever she could afford it, Anna May slipped off to the movies, escaping to a world of adventure, glamour, and excitement. After seeing a movie being filmed in her neighborhood, young Anna May was hooked. She decided she would become a movie star!

Anna May struggled to pursue an acting career in Hollywood in the 1930s. There were very few roles for Asian Americans, and many were demeaning and stereotypical. Anna May made the most of each limited part. She worked hard and always gave her best performance. Finally, after years of unfulfilling roles, Anna May began crusading for more meaningful roles for herself and other Asian American actors.

Anna May Wong—the first Chinese American movie star—was a pioneer of the cinema. Her spirited determination in the face of discrimination is an inspiration to all who must overcome obstacles so that their dreams may come true.

For more information, please visit my website here: http://paulayoo.com/

The book is illustrated by LIN WANG. For more information on Lin's art, please visit her website here: http://www.linstudio.com/

For more information on the book, please visit the Lee & Low Books website link here: http://www.leeandlow.com/books/368/hc/shining_star_the_anna_may_wong_story

You can also watch a video interview with me about Anna May Wong at these two links below:

http://www.leeandlow.com/p/annamaywong.mhtml

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tWaxak5Xa0

For more information on Lee & Low Books, visit their website here:

http://www.leeandlow.com/

You can find the book - or order it - at your local bookstore or order it online at Lee & Low 's website here: http://www.leeandlow.com/

My previous books include the award-winning IRA Notable children's non-fiction picture book, "SIXTEEN SECONDS IN SIXTEEN YEARS: THE SAMMY LEE STORY" (Lee & Low Books 2005) and the award-winning Young Adult novel GOOD ENOUGH (HarperCollins 2008), also a Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice and Honor Book from the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association.

REVIEWS FOR "SHINING STAR: THE ANNA MAY WONG STORY"

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:

Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story Paula Yoo, illus. by Lin Wang. Lee & Low, $17.95 (32p) ISBN 978-1-60060-259-7
Yoo (Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds) spotlights a famous Chinese-American actress from the golden days of Hollywood. Growing up poor in Los Angeles's Chinatown, Anna May Wong was fascinated with the local movie scene. “She regularly skipped school to watch the action on the set and ask questions about filmmaking.” Lin Wang's (A Single Red Thread) elegant paintings in muted hues capture the actress's emotions in her expressive eyes framed by dark bangs. Full-page spreads showcase her stylish garb—snazzy flapper attire or traditional Chinese dress—and her early-20th-century surroundings. The conversational narrative uses many descriptive vignettes from her life (e.g., a girlhood visit to the movie theater, a trip to China) to briskly move the story from her youth to her early movie career. Peppered throughout are examples of the racism she experienced (“Movie studios forbade actors and actresses of color to kiss their white costars”). Always countering these are Anna May's responses, at first her strong feelings and, later, her decision to only portray roles that didn't denigrate Chinese-Americans. A fascinating account of the life of a determined actress. Ages 6–11. (June)

KIRKUS REVIEWS:

"The first Chinese-American movie star grew up in Los Angeles’s Chinatown, working in her family’s laundry, going to the movies every chance she got and even skipping school to watch the action on a local movie set. She went from an extra to a star, even though the roles she was given were often stereotypical, from “china doll” to “dragon lady.” When she visited China for the first time, after her parents had retired there, she vowed to fight the stereotypes. Wang’s watercolor-and-acrylic pictures are . . . quite lovely set pieces, like a graceful adult Anna May with floral hat and tea cup. . . . Yoo’s earnest text illuminates the actress’s life and times."

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:

YOO, Paula. Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story. illus. by Lin Wang. unpaged. CIP. Lee & Low. 2009. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-259-7. LC 2008042673.
Gr 2-5–"Although Wong’s days were filled with backbreaking work as she helped in her family’s San Francisco Chinese laundry, her daydreams were replete with visions of life as a film star. Anna saw every movie she could, and eventually, despite her parents’ opposition, she became a movie extra. As a young woman in the 1920s, beautiful and unusually tall, she was given supporting roles, but, distressed by the stereotypical characters Chinese actors were forced to portray, she decided to pursue her career in Europe. When she returned to Hollywood in 1935, she discovered that nothing had changed. After a visit to China, Wong returned to the U.S. with a renewed determination to eliminate the old Asian stereotypes that had become film standards. Her efforts yielded her some wonderful roles and helped open doors for other Asian-American actors. This is an excellent introduction to a one-time celeb little known to today’s children. Yoo explains Wong’s circumstances with clarity and portrays her hardships and triumphs in concise, easy-to-follow prose. Lin Wang’s acrylic and watercolor illustrations are the perfect complement to the well-written text, precise in their realistic detail and particularly adept in their portrayal of both facial expressions and textures. They provide a vivid portrait of Wong’s changing lifestyles, from that of her impoverished childhood surroundings to the elegant luxuries that her fame made possible. Readers will be entranced by the actress’s rags-to-riches story, and her efforts at confronting racial discrimination will resonate with all ethnic minorities. An author’s note fleshes out the biography, making this a fine choice for both school and public libraries." Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI -- School Library Journal, 8/3/2009

THE ASIAN REPORTER:

"Shows readers a glimpse of the difficulties faced by Asian Americans in the early 20th century and provides a good role model for what a truly determined person can do when faced with adversity."

BOOKLIST:

"The name Anna May Wong won’t mean much, even to young film buffs. However, Wong’s story—her aspirations, disappointments, and the need to make peace with who she was—will resonate. Born in 1905 in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, Anna worked at her parents’ laundry. While her hands were in soapy water, her head was filled with stars—movie stars. Against her father’s wishes, she tried acting and eventually got a few leading roles, but prejudice against Asians (and the rule of no on-screen interracial romance) limited her career. For a long time she was forced to play either the “China doll” or the “dragon lady,” but after Wong both asserted herself and learned about her heritage, she pushed beyond stereotypes. Well paced and full of interesting detail, this picture book for older readers is a fascinating snapshot of what life was like for actresses of color. . . . The cover is enchanting and many interior pictures will intrigue."

THE HAPPY NAPPY BOOKSELLER:

"Before I saw this book over at Lee and Low I never thought about the first Asian movie star in Hollywood. . . . I love the action and awe of the first page. Anna May is daydreaming. She is tied to the train tracks and the train is almost upon her. That in itself should pull in any reader. Wang's illustrations are beautiful. Everything from the dresses to hairstyles and film equipment is true to the times. I don't know what I enjoyed more, a young Anna May's love of movies, or Anna May the actress. . . . Yoo and Wang have collaborated to created a wonderful biography about the first Chinese actress that will hold anyone’s interest."  (http://thehappynappybookseller.blogspot.com/)

JAMA RATTIGAN'S ALPHABET SOUP:

"Paula Yoo has written a fascinating, inspiring, thoroughly engaging account of Anna's life. . . . Yoo's well paced, seamless narrative informs with just the right amount of interesting detail and pathos. While examining the notion of ‘cultural stereotype,’ which hinges on fear, suspicion, ignorance, and misconception, Yoo also emphasizes how Wong struggled on many fronts — pursuing her career despite parental objection, accepting demeaning roles in order to make a living, and coming to terms with her own identity. . . . Lin Wang, a classically trained portrait artist, has brought this compelling narrative to life with luminous, ravishing watercolor and acrylic illustrations. The spreads are lush and rich, echoing the grandeur of movie sets. The likeness to the real Anna May is startling and mesmerizing; she is often clad in intensely emotional tones of deep red, plum, orchid, or pumpkin, and the last spread of her sitting at a table with her striped jacket and floral hat is simply gorgeous. . . . Like Paula Yoo's excellent PB biography of Sammy Lee, Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds, this one is a must-have for home and library collections." (http://jamarattigan.livejournal.com/)

NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY (By Samantha Pak):

http://www.nwasianweekly.com/wp/2009/08/august-book-recs-cultural-tales-for-kids/

"Being Asian American in the early days of show business was not easy.

"Roles were limited and small, and more often than not, Asians and Asian Americans were portrayed in a negative light. At times, these small roles were given to white actors or actresses.

"But this didn’t stop Anna May Wong, whose love for television and film started at a very young age.

“Shining Star” tells the story of how Wong went from a 9-year-old girl daydreaming about being the damsel in distress in an exciting movie to one of the most well-known Asian American actresses in history.

"Before reading this book, I already knew a bit about what show business was like in the 1920s and 1930s — when Wong began her career.

“Shining Star” may be a children’s book, but it doesn’t hide the truth about the times. This is one of my favorite things about it. The author trusts that her young readers will be able to handle and understand these complex issues."

The book may not be very in-depth about yellow-face actors or the rules against interracial kissing, but it doesn’t sugarcoat things either, which often happens in children’s books. Also, if the book was more in-depth on these issues, it could be confusing for elementary school-aged children, whom the book is geared toward.

Readers learn about Wong’s struggles between her love for acting and her pride in her heritage, and how she finds a way to work without having to compromise on either aspects.

“Shining Star” is the story of perseverance, integrity, and following one’s dreams despite the obstacles one might face. Wong is a strong Asian American character that children, young and old, male and female, can look up to. This type of character, like finding Asian roles in Wong’s time, isn’t always easy to find." 

-- SHINING STAR received an excellent review in the July 2009 issue of BayViews, the review journal for the Association of Children's Librarians of Northern California. The book was rated as "high additional," which is just one step below the highest rating of "outstanding."

"Anna May Wong is not a celebrity known to young people, but she was the first Chinese-American movie star. This engaging picture book biography recounts important details of her life: born in Los Angeles as the daughter of a laundry owner, she worked in films as an extra, and then was featured in silent films. Once talking films became the norm, her deep resonant voice, beauty, and sultry magnetism led to a relatively successful career, although racism prevented her from reaching the status of costars like Marlene Dietrich. Some parts of her life are left out, probably as inappropriate for kids, such as her eventual death from alcoholism. The text reads like a story and includes some invented dialogue. The full page watercolor and acrylic illustrations are well matched to the text, although photos would have been helpful since she was a film actress. The book concludes with an author’s note, a list of adult books used in the research, and list of Wong’s best-known films. Since many Bay Area communities have large Asian-American populations where Wong is considered a role model and ground breaker, this will be relevant. By the author of Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds, the picture book biography of Olympic diving champion Sammy Lee."

######

A list of author's sources (books, movies and documentaries) is available in the book as well.

I wrote this book because I was not only fascinated with the beautiful and talented Anna May Wong's acting career but also inspired by her determination to overcome prejudice and to follow her dreams. I am very excited by my latest book debut for Saturday May 30, 2009... just in time for National Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, too!

Please tell your friends, families, colleagues, elementary school teachers, librarians, bloggers, and authors about this book. And yes... children! This is a picture book biography for elementary school children!

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,
Paula Yoo

NATIONAL PICTURE BOOK WRITING WEEK ("NaPiBoWriWee")

In the spirit of National Novel Writing Month ("NaNoWriMo") where people across the country try to write a complete novel in one month, the fine folks at www.paulayoo.com have decided to start the first ever National Picture Book Writing Week, affectionately nicknamed "NaPiBoWriWee."

The goal? To write 7 picture books in 7 days.

All NaPiBoWriWee participants should register on my website (http://paulayoo.com/) and comment on my blogs every day with your own progress.

For those of you who participate in the first annual NaPiBoWriWee, I will select a winner at random on the 7th day - that winner will receive an autographed copy of my latest picture book, "SHINING STAR: THE ANNA MAY WONG STORY" (Lee & Low Books, 2009).

(For more info on the book, go here: http://www.leeandlow.com/books/368/hc/shining_star_the_anna_may_wong_story)

The basic rules? Just write 7 complete and separate picture books in one week. Each picture book must have a clear beginning, middle, and end. There is no required minimum word count because picture book lengths can vary from 50 words to 2000 words, depending on the genre.

Caveat: This is NOT to say writing a picture book is easy.
On the contrary, it's EXTREMELY difficult and challenging to write a
complete story with a beginning, middle, and end, an original plot
line, and a unique character with a compelling voice for the picture
book genre. Every word has to count. Every image and every action has
to speak volumes in terms of theme and deeper meaning... while still
being kid friendly, fun, and appropriate for the tone of the book (be
it a quiet literary picture book or a hilarious, laugh out of loud
funny picture book).

Having said that... I want everyone to
have fun with this! I'm not expecting Shakespeare or "Goodnight Moon."
This is an attempt to encourage people to finally write that picture
book they've been dreaming of... please think of this as a fun
opportunity to brainstorm and finally write that first rough draft that
you can go back to later and revise and improve upon. So often we
procrastinate or convince ourselves that our idea for a picture book is
not "good enough." So NaPiBoWriWee is a fun way to have everyone GO FOR
BROKE and write 7 picture books in 7 days and see what happens!

I will be posting a blog every day for seven days with picture book writing tips and encouragement and updates on my own progress, plus links to The Three Silly Chicks (http://threesillychicks.blogspot.com/) who will also be providing similar helpful blog tips.

For everyone who has a website or blog - you are encouraged to promote NaPiBoWriWee on your blog/website/myspace/Facebook/Twitter. I only request that you provide a link to my website - http://paulayoo.com/.

And for those of you attending the national Society for Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (http://scbwi.org/) conference in August, let me know and I'll arrange for an informal gathering during the conference so we can meet in person and celebrate our first NaPiBoWriWee!

To summarize, the basic rules:

1. Midnight May 1st to 11:59 p.m. May 7th: Write 7 separate and complete picture books.

2. You are NOT allowed to write the same picture book in 7 variations. Each book must be complete and separate.

3. No minimum word count. Instead, each book must have a clear beginning, middle and end.

4. You are allowed to brainstorm and research book topics before May 1st.

5. You are NOT allowed to write a single word of your draft until midnight May 1st.

6. There is NO minimum word count required. The fine folks of NaPiBoWriWee require nothing but your word of honor. We will embrace the Honor Code. If you say you have written 7 complete picture book drafts in 7 days, we will believe you. Besides, why would you lie to us? You're writing picture books for little children! Picture Book Authors are nice, honest people who would never lie!

7. Please register on http://paulayoo.com/ in order to write comments on Paula's blog every day with your progress and questions.

8. If you plan to blog about your NaPiBoWriWee journey, please include a link to: http://paulayoo.com/

9. A winner will be chosen from random of all the people who comment from May 1-7 on http://paulayoo.com/. That winner will receive an autographed copy of Paula Yoo's latest picture book biography, "SHINING STAR: THE ANNA MAY WONG STORY" (Lee & Low Books 2009) by June 2009 when the book is released.

10. For those of you attending the national Society of Children Book Writers & Illustrators (http://scbwi.org/) conference in August, let me know and I'll arrange for an informal gathering during the conference so we can meet in person and celebrate our first NaPiBoWriWee!

Good luck and I look forward to writing 7 picture books in 7 days with everyone!

Latest GOOD ENOUGH events as of September 22, 2008:

I'm doing a Fall Tour 2008 - check out the events below! 

Saturday September 27, 2008 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE CONFERENCE: I'll be one of the speakers at this annual conference at the Anderson Bookstore in Naperville, IL. The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Select in Naperville. Other authors will include Holly Black, Suzanne Collins, Caroline Cooney, Ellen Klages, John Stokes, G. P. Taylor and Nancy Werlin. Attend breakout sessions on fascinating topics, enjoy a continental breakfast and a full luncheon. Booksigning opportunities and CPDU credits offered.  Tickets required, $95 ($75 for full-time students). Call toll-free (800) 728-0708 for reservations. Go here for more details: http://www.andersonsbookshop.com/youngadultliteratureconference.php

Wednesday October 8, 2008 - TIME TBA
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE
Event details: I'll be speaking along with the authors of FUSION STORIES at this conference in Connecticut. More details to come - stay tuned!

Thursday October 9, 2008 - TIME TBA
ASIAN AMERICAN WRITERS WORKSHOP: I'll be giving a panel here in New York City with my brother, YA novelist David Yoo (STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE BEFORE/HYPERION '08), details to come, stay tuned!

Wednesday October 15, 2008 - 4:30 PM

TEEN READ WEEK PRESENTATION: I'll be speaking at the Alison Viejo Library in Alison Viejo, CA to celebrate the annual October TEEN READ week! Go here for more info: http://ocpl.org/schd.asp?id=3365

Saturday October 18, 2008 - 6 PM

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION: I'll be a guest at the annual SCIBA Author Feast and Trade Show dinner and award ceremony. Go here for more details: http://www.scibabooks.org/afats08/ And remember to support your local indie bookseller!

Thursday October 23, 2008 - 9 AM TO 12:30 PM

THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNUAL READERS' ADVISORY WORKSHOP: I'll be participating in the annual Readers Advisory Workshop for the LA Public Library system on the topic of Young Adult literature. This is open for all librarians, so I look forward to meeting more cool librarians!

 Saturday November 1 to Sunday Novembe 2, 2008 - TIME TBA

TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL: I'll be one of the panelists at the annual book fest. Details to come. Check out their link at: http://www.texasbookfestival.org/index.php 

Sunday December 7, 2008 - 4 PM

WRITER 2 WRITER: I'll be conducting a plot writing workshop at the awesome Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse in La Canada, CA. Stay tuned for more details!

I am pleased to announce that my debut YA novel GOOD ENOUGH (HarperCollins 2008) was nominated for the Best Books for Young Adults (BBYA) award by the ALA (American Librarians Association) and YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association).

The list of nominees can be found here and below:

YALSA Best Books for Young Adults

Fiction Nominations

Beauford, Mary Jane. Primavera (Little, Brown and Co. 2008)

Buckhanon, Kalisha. Conception (St. Martin’s. 2008)

Colfer, Eoin. Airman (Hyperion 2008)

Conner, Leslie. Waiting for Normal (HarperCollins 2008)

Doctorow, Cory. Little Brother (Tom Doherty 2008)

Fleischman, Sid. The Entertainer and the Dybbuk (HarperCollins 2007)

Halpern, Julie. Get Well Soon (Feiwel and Friends 2007)

Jordan, Hillary. Mudbound. (Algonquin 2008)

Juby, Susan. Another Kind of Cowboy (HarperCollins 2007)

Kephart, Beth. Undercover (HarperTeen 2007)

Lecesne, James. Absolute Brightness (HarperCollins 2008)

Mazer, Norma Fox. The Missing Girl (HarperCollins 2008)

Murphy, Jim. The Real Benedict Arnold (Clarion 2007)

Na, An. The Fold (Penguin 2008)

Napoli, Donna Jo. Hush: An Irish Princess' Tale (Simon Pulse 2007)

Pearson, Mary E. The Adoration of Jenna Fox (Henry Holt 2008)

Petrucha, Stefan. Teen, Inc. (Walker 2007)

Rex, Adam. The True Meaning of Smekday (Hyperion 2007)

Shaw, Susan. Safe (Penguin 2007)

Smith, Roland. Elephant Run (Hyperion 2007)

Venkatraman, Padma. Climbing the Stairs (Penguin 2008)

Woodson, Jacqueline. After Tupac and D Foster (G.P. Putnam’s Sons 2008)

Yoo, Paula. Good Enough (HarperCollins 2008)

Zarr, Sara. Sweethearts (Little, Brown 2008)

Hi!  I'll be speaking at Flintridge Preparatory School, La Canada Preparatory School, and with the Teen Advisory Board at the Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse in La Canada, CA on Monday March 3, 2008.

I'll post photos and a blog  update on that later this week.  Stay tuned!  I'm looking forward to my first official GOOD ENOUGH school presentation!