There is A LOT of preparation for a new baby. But no matter how much you think you’re ready, it all feels so rushed leading up to the glorious event.

So it is with this book baby (my first and hopefully, not my last!) I feel like I’ve been preparing for ten years. And yet it’s about to finally happen (March 12) and suddenly I’m rushing to keep up: informing people, lining up events, celebrating the bits of good news along the way… It’s all good, of course, but it’s also a bit scary, humbling and head spinning. If you are reading this, you are in it with me… THANK YOU! I need you! You’re prayers and support are guiding me and holding me up. So I see you and appreciate every “review,” “like,” “heart,” “comment,” “repost,” “virtual ((hug))”…

Most authors do not like “self promotion,” “social media,” any attention, really. I am no different! I’m most comfortable in a small group, by myself, or with my nose in a book (or in the computer.) It’s hard to say, “look at me; look what I created!” But if I believe my story is worth putting into the hands of children, informing people about this debut, comes with the territory. So though it’s uncomfortable, (deep breath) here we go…

REVIEWS: Getting any positive review is a gem and never guaranteed. Most of the time, being ignored is better than a bad review. And getting a “starred review” from one of the handful of reputable organizations (industry professionals and writing peers) is certainly special.

A fellow author said it best when I shared with her that I got a “Kirkus Starred Review”… “Congratulations! You got a golden ticket!” Yes, this is how it felt when my editor, Rosie Ahmed, gave me the news. It’s a coveted thing, but certainly not “the end all.” I’m grateful for it and am happy to share with you here, the section of the review that meant so much to me…

“…Drawing from her own family’s experiences, Wang has crafted a lyrical gem of a story. Adopting a child’s perspective, the author manages to make topics such as warfare and loss of one’s home comprehensible to a young audience, while Cha’s bold strokes and splashes of color convey movement and enhance the emotional weight of the subject. A poignant tale of light in the darkness—and compassion in times of war.”

When my editor at Dial told me about my getting a starred review from The Horn Book, she added that it was an honor because this group is especially picky about who gets a review. For this again, I’m grateful, humbled and hope because of it, more kids have a chance to experience a story they may not have otherwise heard. Here’s an especially nice section of The Horn Book’s starred review…

“…This gorgeously illustrated book contains beautiful turns of phrase and metaphors (“we sat like two quiet hills, the breeze combing through our hair”). It’s a touching homage to the author’s own grandparents’ heroism, which also offers rare insight into complex feelings about personal sacrifice and witnessing the suffering of others…”

HONORS: It’s certainly an honor to have thoughtful words in print about your work, like above! Another honor made me exceedingly excited, having the Junior Library Guild’s Gold Standard Selection stamp of approval. This guarantees thousands of my books to be in libraries across the country.

THANK YOU to Kirkus, The Horn Book and The Junior Library Guild! Your recognition lifts up diverse and universal stories, spreading much needed love and care between people.

EVENTS: Please know I am not asking you to go to all the following events! Please pick the one that’s closest to you or one(s) that work with your schedule. Whatever you decide to participate in, I look forward to SEEING you, celebrating with you, giving you swag and signing books ’til I loose feeling in my hands!

Sat, March 9, 4 PM

• Once Upon A Time bookstore (2207 Honolulu Ave, Montrose 91020)

    *In-person reading, Q&A, signing (preorder and pick up book here with swag)

    *If you’re out-of-town, order your copy from here and it will be mailed to you with swag

March 12

• Book Birthday/pub date/launch date! If you ordered on Amazon, you should be receiving your book on or soon after this date. But note, it will not be signed. For that, you need to come to one of the events or purchase from “Once Upon A Time” and they will make sure to send anywhere in the US.

Sat, March 16, 4 PM

• Vroman’s (695 E. Colorado, Pasadena 91101)

    *My big launch event for family, friends, and local public (lots of space, so let’s fill it!)

    *In-person reading, Q&A, signing (preorder and pick up book here with swag, there will be be books to buy there if you did not preorder)

Sat, March 23, 4 PM

• Barnes & Noble, Irvine Spectrum (728 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine 92618)

    *In-person reading, Q&A, signing (preorder and pick up book here with swag, there will be be books to buy there if you did not preorder)

Sat/Sun April 20/21, Time TBD

• Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC (University of Southern California)

    * On the “Children’s Stage,” reading, presentation with signing after (I’ll bring swag, there should be books to buy there if you did not preorder… more details to come)

HOW YOU CAN HELP… for free!

REVIEW: (5+ words is all that’s needed when you leave a review!): You can do this now on GoodReads, Barnes & Noble, (Amazon, after March 12) …

REQUEST: Contact libraries and bookstores and make a request to carry “The House Before Falling into the Sea”

REPOST: If you’re on social media, please take what I put on instagram and facebook and repost onto your grid, stories, other social media… and remember to tag me 😉

You have no idea just how much your help is valued and appreciated for this debut author! So from all my heart, THANK YOU!! (And if you have other ideas on how to get the word out, please contact me.)