There weren't too many books featuring other cultures and countries when I was growing up as an immigrant kid here in the States.

America inevitably "brings the distant near" because apart from members of the Native Nations, all of us originated in faraway places. Sadly, proximity within the United States doesn't automatically generate friendship. But if we choose to cross borders that may at first bring discomfort and open our hearts to those who seem like strangers, I believe that we can be transformed and united as individuals, families, communities, and even as a country.

American and Vietnamese characters alike leap to life through the voice and eyes of a tenyearold girl-a protagonist so strong, loving, and vivid I longed to hand her a wedge of freshly cut papaya.

There weren't too many books featuring other cultures and countries when I was growing up as an immigrant kid here in the States.

Keep reading and writing, learn how to revise, and push through rejections. My second book, Monsoon Summer, was rejected over 20 times and finally came out 11 years after my first book! I'm glad I didn't give up. Neither should you.

Research is always a high priority in my fiction. Songs, fashion, politics, television, movies, trends - I try to get those details right.

We adults all stay sixteen or so in some corner of the soul.