We Sing From the Heart: How The Slants Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
Written by Mia Wenjen
Illustrated by Vicor Bizar Gómez
Published by Red Comet Press
Music is a way to transcend cultures and divides. Simon Tam used his band’s name, The Slants®, to make a powerful statement that racist insults could no longer be hurtful to Asian Americans. But then the U.S. Trade and Patent Office tries to stop him. In his eight-year battle to win trademark protection, Simon would go all the way to the Supreme Court in a landmark case to rout out structural racism in our government systems. Mia Wenjen takes us back to Simon’s early days and the formation of the band, to the long battle to claim the name they chose to use. We learn of his motivations and the years-long struggle that leads ultimately to the Supreme Court of the United States. Told using lyrics from the band’s hit song about their trademark fight, this compelling story will keep readers riveted until the dramatic ending. We Sing from the Heart gives background and context to the significance of Simon’s quest, not just for him and his band, but for free speech rights for us all.
Primary ISBN: 9781636550879
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Hardcover
Nonfiction, Picture Book, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Chinese/Chinese American, Various (Asian)
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Activism, Arts, Community Action, Genre: Biography, Own Voices/Lived Experience
Setting: United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
Click here for details about how we define our titles.
Engagement Projects & Resources:
Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.