National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Emeritus Visited Almaden Country Day School

2024-04-21 09:16:33 Education

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San Jose, California (forpressrelease) February 26, 2018 - Former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Gene Luen Yang visited Almaden Country Day School (ACDS) on February 13, 2018 to speak about "Reading Without Walls," one of Yang's signature campaign initiatives during his tenure as Ambassador. The event coincided with ACDS' Lunar New Year campus-wide celebration, which also featured a lion dance performance, traditional snacks, Caldecott/Newbery award education and voting, and Lunar New Year education.

This event marked Yang's first public appearance since the completion of his term as a National Ambassador for Young People's Literature at the end of 2017. He was succeeded by Jacqueline Woodson, who will serve from 2018 to 2019.

Gene Luen Yang has enjoyed a long and fruitful career as an author and an educator. He received his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and his master's degree in education from California State University East Bay. He is best known for his first graphic novel, American Born Chinese. Originally published in 2006, it became the first graphic novel to be named a finalist for the National Book Award. The book focuses on a young teenager grappling with his identity when his family moves from San Francisco's Chinatown to a mostly white suburb. American Born Chinese also went on to win the Printz Award from the American Library Association for best young adult book in 2007. As the son of Chinese immigrants, Yang has always made a point to celebrate America's diverse culture throughout his work.

During his "Reading Without Walls" campaign, he focused on bringing the joys of young adult literature to all individuals, regardless of their income level or cultural background. He continues to spread this message as National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Emeritus. When asked what he wished readers would discover about the world and themselves when they "Read Without Walls," Yang replied: "When we read about people different from ourselves, I hope that we discover our common humanity. When we read about topics that we find intimidating, I hope that we discover how fun it is to learn something new. And when we read different kinds of books, I hope that we discover there are many, many ways to tell our own stories."

He is currently working on a graphic novel series titled "Secret Coders," which aims to help young people learn about computer programming, as well as other projects such as writing for DC Comics, and a non-fiction book about the Bishop O'Dowd's Dragons.

As one of the leading private schools in Silicon Valley, ACDS was proud to welcome Gene Luen Yang for this special event. He is one in a series of guest speakers to appear at ACDS, and exemplifies the school's commitment to enhancing the learning experience of its students and the community through exposure to national leaders in education.

About Almaden Country Day School: Almaden Country Day School is an independent, coeducational, nonsectarian private school in San Jose, CA. serving 350 students at the preschool, elementary school, and middle school levels. ACDS is known for providing an outstanding education in a balanced learning environment that combines academic rigor, character development, and the joy of childhood. ACDS students develop a lifelong love of learning and have the skills necessary to be confident and thrive in the world. ACDS is CAIS accredited. For more information, please visit www.almadencountrydayschool.org or contact info@a-cs.org.

Cathy Shin
Almaden Country Day School
408-997-0424
info@a-cs.org

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