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“Liao lovingly weaves together the threads of immigrant life and allows Zia to take the initiative to solve the problem in a thoroughly modern way. This rich and multifaceted story is a perfect fit.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Everyone Loves Career Day but Zia

Written by Jenny Liao
Illustrated by Dream Chen
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers

An empowering story about a Chinese American girl who proudly translates for her mom, helping her to demonstrate her skill as a seamstress on Career Day at school.

It will soon be Career Day at Zia’s school and she cannot wait for Mama to tell her classmates all about her job as a seamstress and about the beautiful dresses she sews. There are just two problems: Mama cannot take time off from work and she also cannot speak English fluently. Zia is determined, however, and hatches a plan.

When Career Day arrives, we meet a vet, a stay-at-home dad, and more. And when Mama finally makes her debut, Zia is the proudest kid in class. Everyone loves career day, but most of all, Zia.

Primary ISBN: 9780593425459
Publication Date: July 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 03 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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