"You have a deep appreciation of the arts and music." The Hate U Give 4 stars Genre: YA contemporary Pros: A real protagonist Deep issues Exploration of family Cons: Quite dark for 8th graders I’ve heard so much about The Hate U Give. It lives up to its hype. I love the setting of this novel and how real it is. The struggle that Starr battles within herself and in her community also feels authentic. I did take off a star for the beginning portion of this book. … [Read more...]
#BookReview: Starswept
September 25, 2017 2 Comments
"Romance will come your way soon." Starswept by Mary Fan 4.5 stars Pros: An invented language! Unique world-building Focus on the arts Cons: Too much mystery in the beginning Starswept is a wonderful book. I love the premise of the situation, where the arts are adored by an alien race. There are also interesting underlying themes of prejudice, xenophobia, and the value of human lives in the novel. I’m able to really identify with the main character, Iris. I love how … [Read more...]
Dragonfly Dreams Highly Recommended!
September 18, 2017 Leave a Comment
"You will be the guest of a gracious host." "I highly recommend Dragonfly Dreams not only to its intended young adult audience, but also to those interested in exploring acculturation across generations." ~ Lisbeth Coiman Today's post is a quick peek at a very kind review of my novel from Lisbeth Coiman, a bilingual writer: https://lisbethcoiman.com/review-dragonfly-dreams-by-jennifer-chow/ Keep an eye out for her forthcoming raw and moving memoir, I Asked The Blue Heron. … [Read more...]
LA Times Festival of Books
May 1, 2017 Leave a Comment
"A thrilling time is in your immediate future." The last time I went to the Festival of Books, it was held at the UCLA campus (go, Bruins!). Most recently, though, the event occurred at USC. A weekend-long event (April 22&23), it gathered together readers, writers, and book-lovers. There were sessions for listening to speakers and opportunities to get signed books. Rows of booths (I was at the SCBWI one) provided a chance to hobnob with authors and also seek out services: the library … [Read more...]
#AuthorProfile: Shawna Yang Ryan
March 13, 2017 2 Comments
"Your kind spirit will lead to many new friendships." Name: Shawna Yang Ryan Accomplishments: Fulbright Scholar; Teaches at University of Hawaii Latest book: Green Island Shawna Yang Ryan is super sweet and down-to-earth. Her latest novel, Green Island, took many years of research. She ended up interviewing people, both in Taiwan and here in America, about how the 228 Massacre affected their lives. Before penning her book, she also had to process all the turbulent emotions involved in … [Read more...]
Mystery Mavens
October 3, 2016 Leave a Comment
"Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see." Calling all mystery fans to Manhattan Beach! That's right, I'll be on a panel of mystery writers who live in or write about the South Bay. Details are: Monday, October 17, 2016 7:00pm Manhattan Beach Library 1320 Highland Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Other authors present will be Sarah Chen, Sybil Johnson, and Lida Sideris. Here's a recap on my mystery writing (under the name of J.J. Chow): Seniors … [Read more...]
SCBWI Summer Conference
August 1, 2016 2 Comments
"You are original and creative." For the past three days, I've been immersed in children's books at the annual SCBWI conference. Along with almost 1000 other attendees, I geeked out at the superstar faculty and the informative workshops. Here's a picture journey of my experience: Fun fact: Here was my winning joke entry (theme of Olympics crossed with children's book or author): "Diver Wins Gold Medal After Tuck … [Read more...]
Book Parties!
June 13, 2016 Leave a Comment
"You are a true friend." Book celebrations are fun. There's nothing more exciting than launching your first book. (The parallel in parenting is the extravagant party given for your first-born at one year old.) I was super stoked to go to Sarah M. Chen's book launch yesterday. After years of fantastic short stories, she's penned a novella, Cleaning Up Finn. Knowing her, it'll be a gritty but mesmerizing read. Congrats, Sarah! P.S. Writing conferences are like book parties writ large. … [Read more...]
I’m on Spring Break!
April 4, 2016 2 Comments
Happy spring break, y'all! For today, I'm redirecting you to L.L. Kane's page for my recent author interview: https://lindaleekane.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/a-sit-down-with-jennifer-chow/ Enjoy! … [Read more...]
