Chasing Dreams, Becoming a Doctor (Our Stories Carried Us Here)

Written by Kim Uy
Illustrated by sunshine gao
Published by Green Card Voices

This unique English-Khmer bilingual graphic memoir starts and ends in Cambodia for a girl who will inspire readers to hold on to their dreams.

Kim Uy and her parents waited 15 years in Cambodia before emigrating to the United States. She had to learn English in high school, ignore those who said “medicine is not for you,” and she had to stay strong to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. And once Kim met her goals in America, she returned to Cambodia to care for those who needed her most.

Chasing Dreams, Becoming a Doctor tells the inspiring story of Kim Uy’s ability to adapt to cultures, learn languages other than Khmer—Chinese and English—and succeed wherever she goes. Her memoir is beautifully illustrated in ink wash technique to create value, shading, form and depth within the artwork. The illustrator is Chinese-American artist sunshine gao. Cover illustrated by Khmer-American artist Kat Eng.