WHY THE TEXAS BOOK BAN MATTERS TO THE PEOPLE OF HAWAII

https://www.civilbeat.org/2021/11/why-the-texas-book-ban-matters-to-the-people-of-hawaii/

SEX TRAFFICKING: THE MANY LEVELS OF VIOLENCE & OPPRESSION

Eva’s heartbreaking story published by both SLATE & SEARCHLIGHT NEW MEXICO  reminded me of Rasa and the real life teenager she’s based on...violence and oppression on so many levels. 

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/12/sex-trafficking-in-america-native-women-lack-of-screening.html

https://www.searchlightnm.org/stolen-and-erased

SOCIAL JUSTICE!

Here’s a link to the Social Justice Books website: https://socialjusticebooks.org/booklists/south-asian/#ya

JAYA AND RASA: A LOVE STORY selected for the 2019 IN THE MARGINS BOOK AWARD!

The characters of Jaya & Rasa are amalgams of some diverse LGBTQ teens I’ve treated, ones facing horrific situations (sex trafficked, physically/emotionally/sexually abused, bullied, and/or suffering from untreated mental health issues including suicidal thoughts and attempts). I’m grateful my version of their struggles and triumphs has been included on the 2019 In the Margins Recommended Fiction Book List!

“In the Margins strives to find the best books for teens living in poverty, on the streets, in custody - or a cycle of all three. Our charge is to seek out and highlight the best fiction and non-fiction titles (Pre-K through adult) of high-interest appeal to youth ages 9-21 living in poverty, on the streets, or in custody...Youth feedback is a critical factor in both book nomination and selection.” —In the Margins Selection Committee

https://inthemarginssite.blog/2019-2/

https://inthemarginssite.blog/awards-list/