Yin

The idea for my first book COOLIES came to me after I graduated from college. I looked back on my entire New York City education and realized that not much was taught about the contribution of Chinese immigrants to American history.

From that moment on, I made it my mission to learn all I can about the experiences of Chinese-Americans. I started keeping a journal in which I wrote about my experience growing up. I wondered about my forefather’s experience in America and read books on the subject from the library. I found time to write and reflect while riding the subways to work as an analyst on Wall Street.

Besides being an author, I also work as an agent for other authors, helping them to manage their business, negotiating with publishers, scheduling personal appearances and generally making their lives easier so they can focus on the creative process.

Coincidentally, my husband is also an award winning children’s book author and illustrator! His name is Chris Soentpiet (pronounced: soon-peet) and he has written and/or illustrated over twenty children’s books.

I'm so proud of COOLIES because it won the International Reading Association Book Award and the Parents' Choice Gold Award. The success of my first book has led to a sequel, BROTHERS.