I Am Golden by Eva Chen art by Sophie Diao
We see eyes that point toward the sun, that give us the warmth and joy of a thousand rays when you smile.
We see hair as inky black and smooth as a peaceful night sky. We see skin brushed with gold.
It is difficult to image a more glowing, self-affirming picture book for a child than I Am Golden. This ode a Chinese American child exudes with positivity and gorgeous imagery. Text is laden with homages to a Chinese heritage: dragons, a phoenix, sizzling garlic, steaming bao, and lotus blossoms. Mei and her parents left their home in China and immigrated to the United States where she lives the bifurcated life of an immigrant. She delights in popular boy bands and pizza at school but at home enjoys the comfort of Mandarin and soup dumplings. |
| The author's note offers context, describing the sting of a childhood incident that inspired the creation of I Am Golden. |