Everyone Is Welcome

“An important book around how anti-Asian hate impacts a community. In the story, readers witness discriminatory incidents but also see how the community comes together to take actions to ensure the safety and belonging of all. A timeless book that reinforces the importance of remembering each other’s shared humanity and living compassionately.”

“For lessons in empathy, especially when needed to combat anti-Asian hate, Everyone is Welcome brings us to a place of both reality and promise. Hate has always been around, often just changing targets, but awareness and grace are universal, and they have and will overcome the worst when everyone is made to feel welcome.”

“This brightly illustrated story brings to light racism towards people with Asian backgrounds. It provides readers the opportunity to open discussions on how this affects families, and how we can appreciate and accept all cultures in our neighbourhoods.”

“Against this debilitating climate that Asian communities face, Everyone is Welcome provides a timely response and offers young children a way to understand and engage with these issues in a relatable manner. Written by Phuong Truong and illustrated by Christine Wei, the book advocates a positive vision of community life, one that is accepting of everyone, regardless of their background… Highly recommended.”

Phuong Truong grew up in Ottawa and dreamed of being a rock star, a lawyer, or an author. She happily achieved one of those goals with her picture book Everyone is Welcome and her Olive Tran series. She works in book publishing and lives with her family in Toronto, Ontario.