#ji hong

Almost 20 years after I began studying Asian American youth literature, I feel less alone. I’ve conferenced with Junko and Jennifer and John and had dinner with Lorraine. I’ve never met Dolores or Rocío or Sung-Ae, but I continue to admire their work. And, unlike my experience, I marvel at the emerging community of Asian and Asian American scholars who are breaking new ground on the study of Asian and Asian American children’s and young adult literature in their graduate programs. They are asking questions that I couldn’t even have imagined when I was in graduate school. So when Edi asked me for a blog post for her Asian Pacific American Heritage Month series, I invited them to join me. Their friendship and collegiality has meant so much to me over the past few years, and I am beyond excited for the research they are contributing to the field. Everyone should know who they are and their work on Asian diasporic children’s and young adult literature. I hope you enjoy reading about them and their work as much as I have.

relationship goals <3

Back hugs are touching. It gives me the feeling that someone is supporting me from behind. This is the biggest joy your loved one can give you. =JI HONG=

Ji Hong + Hye Jung || All About Us