Author Profile
Andrea Wang
8 Books
Andrea Wang is an acclaimed Chinese American author known for her poignant and culturally rich children's literature. She won the Newbery Honor and the Caldecott Medal for her picture book Watercress, which explores heritage and memory. Her stories often focus on the immigrant experience and the power of food and family to bridge cultural divides.
Jump in
Discover the incredible true story of Joe Pierce, a young boy from 19th-century China who journeyed across the ocean to find a new life in America. Sold by his father to an American sea captain during a time of great poverty, Joe had to find his footing in a world that looked and sounded nothing like home.
Why it pulls you in
Joe’s journey is one of immense courage and determination. Follow him as he grows up with an American family, serves with distinction in the Union Army during the Civil War, and fights for his place as a citizen. It is a powerful look at identity and belonging during a time of deep prejudice.
The heart of the story
This moving biography shows how one person’s indomitable spirit can overcome the toughest challenges. Through Joe’s eyes, you will see a unique slice of American history and learn what it truly means to be worthy of your dreams and your country.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
Get ready to pack your bags for the ultimate summer camp adventure! Heading off to a sleepaway camp can be both exciting and a little bit scary, especially when you want everything to be absolutely perfect. Follow along as new friendships are tested, hilarious camp activities take center stage, and unexpected challenges pop up around every corner. You will join the campers as they navigate the busy cabins, the bustling dining hall, and all the lively traditions that make camp so memorable. Will this be the best summer ever, or will the pressure to fit in ruin the fun? Jump into this heartwarming story about discovering who you truly are, learning to embrace your unique voice, and finding out that the greatest memories often happen when things do not go exactly according to plan.
6-8 Years
Jump in
In the aftermath of World War II, Momofuku Ando saw long lines of hungry people waiting for a single bowl of ramen. He believed that peace would follow a full stomach, and he set out on a mission to create a new kind of noodle that could be made quickly and easily by anyone, anywhere.
Why it pulls you in
You will step inside Ando's backyard shed, where he spent a year experimenting with different ingredients and methods. From failed batches to a sudden spark of inspiration in his wife's kitchen, this story shows how one person's curiosity and determination led to the invention of instant ramen.
Keep exploring
This beautifully illustrated biography captures the spirit of a true inventor. It is an inspiring look at how persistence and a simple desire to help others can result in a global food phenomenon that changed the way the world eats.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
39 Pages
Step into the deep green jungles to meet one of the smartest creatures on our planet. Gorillas are much more than just strong; they are brilliant problem-solvers with complex social lives that might surprise you. In this book, you will look inside the minds of these great apes to see how they use their cleverness to find food, protect their families, and communicate with one another. Scientists are still discovering new things about how gorillas think and learn every day. Through amazing photos and clear facts, you will see exactly why these gentle giants are considered some of the brainiest animals in the wild and how they share more with humans than you might think.
6-8 Years
Step onto the world’s largest and most crowded continent to discover a place of incredible variety. Did you know that in India alone, people speak more than 1,000 different languages? Or that Asia is home to both the highest mountains and some of the busiest cities on Earth? From the frozen tundra of the north to the tropical islands of the south, you will explore the landforms, cultures, and economies that make this continent so unique. Whether you are curious about how people live in different countries or want to see the amazing animals that call this land home, there is always something new to learn about the diverse regions of Asia. Get ready to expand your world as you travel across this vast and vibrant land.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
A simple drive through the countryside takes an unexpected turn when your parents suddenly pull the car over. They have spotted wild watercress growing in a muddy ditch, and they want the whole family to help gather it. For a young girl wanting nothing more than to fit in, this sudden roadside foraging feels deeply embarrassing. She does not want to eat wild weeds, and she certainly does not want anyone to see her collecting them. But as her mother shares a bittersweet story of her own childhood in China, the gathered plants take on a completely new meaning. This beautifully painted, deeply moving story invites you to discover how a simple shared meal can bridge the gap between generations. You will uncover the quiet strength of family history and the pride that comes from embracing exactly where you come from.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Tong tong! The legendary Nian monster has arrived in Shanghai just in time for Chinese New Year, and he is extremely hungry. With his massive horns, terrifying scales, and wide, wicked jaws, Nian is ready to devour the entire city. The worst part is that all the old tricks to scare him away simply do not work anymore. It is up to you to follow a clever girl named Xingling as she tries to stop this terrifying beast. Xingling will need to think fast and use all her wits to outsmart the monster. Will her quick thinking be enough to save her beloved city, or will Nian get his giant feast? Step into this thrilling and vibrant adventure to discover if one young girl can conquer an ancient legend.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Welcome to the playroom
When five year old Luli walks into her new English as a Second Language classroom, the room is completely silent. None of the children speak the same language, and everyone feels like a stranger. But Luli has a secret weapon in her backpack: a teapot and a dream of making friends.
Finding a common bond
You will see what happens when Luli calls out Cha! and watches as her classmates recognize the word in their own languages. From Russian and Hindi to Spanish and Swahili, the children discover that they all share a love for tea. It is a simple gesture that turns a room of strangers into a circle of friends.
A world of flavor
This heartwarming story shows you that you do not always need words to understand someone else. Through sharing and kindness, Luli proves that a small cup of tea can build a bridge between different cultures and help everyone feel at home.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
