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“…Jade, who presents as Chinese, feels out of place in a society depicted as middle class and overwhelmingly white. …One of the book’s notable features is that Jade isn’t singled out by those around her. Her sense of not belonging comes from within and is tied to her not knowing her mother’s personal history. Once Jade understands that her mama’s love is no less real or strong for being expressed differently, she can finally embrace her own cultural origins. A frank and fulfilling journey of self-acceptance.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Mama’s Love Language

Written by Elisa Stad
Illustrated by Ry Menson
Published by Ginger Lotus Press

Jade is a girl who lives in two worlds and, coming from a multicultural family, she’s on a quest to understand her identity and where she truly belongs.

She is trying to find her place in the world but feels different from the other kids at school. Back home, Jade’s parents have their unique approach to love and care. Sometimes Jade is embarrassed by Mama’s accent and she can’t understand why she is not just like any other mother she knows.

The real adventure unfolds when Jade starts rebelling against her mother’s traditional ways of showing love, especially through food. It’s a struggle that takes her on a path of discovery, as she learns about her family’s rich heritage and her mother’s challenging past in Vietnam and as an immigrant.

Jade then discovers that even though Mama doesn’t hug or say I love you, the healing aroma of ginger, green onions, and chicken broth does.

Mama’s Love Language is a heartwarming children’s book that addresses the universal theme of belonging and the beauty of cultural diversity. Through Jade’s story, children will learn that being different is not only okay but something to be celebrated, and that love can come in many shapes and forms.

Primary ISBN: 9798988378518
Publication Date: October 2023
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

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

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Engagement Projects & Resources:

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Engagement Materials:

Mama’s Love Language – Book Club Questions

Mama’s Love Language – Recipe for Hainan Chicken Rice

Source: www.elisastad.com