Support Phương’s Children’s Book

I am intentionally reaching out to each of you to ask for help with the publication of my children's book, Buoy. While this feels new and uncomfortable for me, I very much believe in this message's sentiments. Years ago, I wrote down my family's story as Vietnamese boat refugees, and these efforts have resulted in a children's book. The narrative has fueled me personally and professionally, serving as a connective bridge between my history and the students I support. It has been shared thousands of times in presentations, podcasts, social media content and within smaller, valuable moments of my life.

Photo Caption: Phương shares her story with students at Laurel Mountain Elementary.

Then, in 2017, I found Laura Jew, a poet and illustrator. Through hundreds of communication exchanges, Laura has begun thoughtfully creating the illustrations for Buoy, my family's story. Here is the synopsis:

The story recounts my Bá and Má’s journey across in 1978. As a South Vietnamese naval captain, my father was tasked with navigating a wooden fishing boat holding the dreams of 56 individuals across the South China Sea. When they encountered Typhoon Elaine one night, Má tells me a whale emerged from the dark ocean waters and placed its body alongside the vessel to steady it within the thrashing waters until the storm passed. After several weeks, all arrived in Hong Kong’s harbor, and I was born at 3 am that morning. This narrative is the foundation of my days as an educator, advocate and mother of three.

Photo Caption: Phương with her Bá and Má in Hong Kong

Currently, Laura and I are working toward self-publishing Buoy. I tell this story because it informs my work as a communication scientist and highlights the common threads of courage and hope that connect my family to the families of refugees across time and place. Our intention with this sacred work is to increase the representation within children's books, share an experience of the Vietnamese diaspora and honor my family's narrative.

This GoFundMe aims to empower the efforts to self-publish this illustrated children’s book. Through the power of storytelling, Buoy will tether my family's past to intentional Hope for future generations. Thank you for supporting stories that heal hearts and fuel our world.

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Funds will go directly to editing, formatting, marketing and illustrations created by artist, Laura Jew.