Edith McDermott Elementary teacher-librarian Krista Kong recommends My Day with Gong Gong by Sennah Yee to celebrate Asian Heritage Month.
My Day with Gong Gong is a great children’s story because it beautifully captures the bond between generations while exploring themes of patience, understanding, and cultural connection.
The book follows a young girl spending the day with her grandfather in Chinatown, highlighting the initial language and emotional barriers that gradually give way to warmth and shared experiences.
The story is relatable for children who may struggle to connect with family members due to language barriers or cultural differences, making it a touching and meaningful read. The illustrations by Elaine Chen bring the emotions to life, and the simple yet heartfelt storytelling makes it accessible for young readers.
Ultimately, My Day with Gong Gong encourages empathy and appreciation for family.
My Day with Gong Gong is available in SD42 libraries.
- Continue the celebration with the Asian Heritage Virtual Classroom (click the images to browse). Resources curated by Yin Tsia and Leah Kitamura.
