Book details

Macmillan Children's Book

I Am Golden

Author: Eva Chen; illustrated by Sophie Diao

I Am Golden

I Am Golden

About This Book

This lyrical, uplifting picture book is an ode to the immigrant experience and a declaration of Chinese American joy.
Page Count
40
On Sale
02/01/2022
Age Range
4-6

Book Details

An Instant New York Times Bestseller!

This joyful and lyrical picture book from New York Times bestselling author Eva Chen and illustrator Sophie Diao is a moving ode to the immigrant experience, as well as a manifesto of self-love for Chinese American children.


What do you see when you look in the mirror, Mei? Do you see beauty?

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.

Praise for I Am Golden:

"[A] richly metaphoric celebration of Chinese American identity ... Luminous, gently textured digital art by Diao includes thoughtful, recognizably Chinese cues that add further dimension ... A loving, affecting tribute to how children of immigrants can serve as bridges and torchbearers for their communities." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"From the outset, this gorgeous picture book exudes joy and celebration of identity. Through dazzling illustrations, Diao brings to exuberant life best-selling Chinese American author Chen’s message of finding love and power in one’s differences. ... This powerful and uplifting story captures [Chinese] American joy and is a definite must-read." —Booklist, starred review

Imprint Publisher

Feiwel & Friends

ISBN

9781250842053

In The News

Praise for I Am Golden:

An Instant New York Times Bestseller!
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, with Outstanding Merit

"In these pages, cultural triumphs live next to snug family dinners, and all of it matters as the parents set their child aloft. Every child should be launched by such words of love and confidence. ... Salve on the wounds of racism, this is a transporting invitation to be different, go forward, and meet your destiny." —School Library Journal, starred review

"[A] richly metaphoric celebration of Chinese American identity ... Luminous, gently textured digital art by Diao includes thoughtful, recognizably Chinese cues that add further dimension ... A loving, affecting tribute to how children of immigrants can serve as bridges and torchbearers for their communities." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"From the outset, this gorgeous picture book exudes joy and celebration of identity. Through dazzling illustrations, Diao brings to exuberant life best-selling Chinese American author Chen’s message of finding love and power in one’s differences. ... This powerful and uplifting story captures [Chinese] American joy and is a definite must-read." —Booklist, starred review

"An immigrant couple’s empowering love letter to their child. ... Diao’s lovely digital artwork works in tandem with Chen’s rich textual imagery to celebrate Chinese culture, family history, and language. ... A shining affirmation of Chinese American identity." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Perfectly matched text and illustration ... Every gorgeous spread in Chen and Diao's co-creation maintains this exceptional and precise text and art symbiosis. ... Chen and Diao weave the inherent value of the child throughout, aiming to encourage Asian American children to claim, 'I am golden.'" —Shelf Awareness

"An uplifting story that seeks to teach Asian American children about self-love and validation." —People

"I am crying at the power and beauty of this book ... Celebrating culture and history as well as individualism!" —Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Company (Seattle, WA)

Praise for Colors of Awesome!:

"Vivid and highly engaging ... will dutifully pique the interest of young readers and can serve as an invitation for exploring more about the lives of the thought leaders and changemakers featured here. ... Recommended for picture book collections and collective biography shelves." —School Library Journal

Praise for Roxy the Last Unisaurus Rex:

"Eva Chen has really hit the mark with her Juno Valentine series, but is branching out into children's literature in a huge way with Roxy the Last Unisaurus Rex...It's not often you can find a children's book that pleases both the child and the parent reading it 800 times, but ROXY feels like a good fit. And any picture book that makes me want to wallpaper my house with its pages is more than OK by me." —Romper

Praise for 3 2 1 Awesome!:

"Counting down from 20, this charming board book profiles strong contemporary and historical women ... The choices are solid and represent a diverse range of women and professions." —Booklist

Praise for A Is for Awesome!:

A Publishers Weekly Bestseller!

"That theme of swinging for the fences and going for it is the undercurrent in this book. Even though it’s about how they’re all awesome, the real undercurrent is, 'Look at all these people who are superheroes who are just like you.' I try to tell that to my daughter." —Hasan Minhaj, in Huffpost

Praise for Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes:

A New York Times Bestseller!

Featured in Oprah Magazine's Holiday Gift Guide
Recommended by Rachael Ray as the perfect holiday gift
Featured in InStyle's Holiday Gift Guide

“[A] fresh take on a fairy tale.” —Forbes.com

“Those who are 3, 13, or 30 can all enjoy the book.” —Vogue.com

"Not only does this book pay homage to some of history's greatest women, it also gives them snaps for their fashion sense." —Romper

"Kids need more books like this." —HelloGiggles

"[This book is] not going to drop without a bang." —Refinery29

"[A] charming story." —MyDomaine

“Chen proves that the accessory can actually provide an important teachable moment for young kids.” —WhoWhatWear

About the Creators

I Am Golden

I Am Golden