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Golden
I Am Golden
What do you see when you look in the mirror, Mei? Do you see beauty?
We see eyes that point toward the sun, that give us the warmth and joy of a thousand rays when you smile. We see hair as inky black and smooth as a peaceful night sky. We see skin brushed with gold.
This joyful and lyrical picture book from New York Times-bestselling author Eva Chen is a moving ode to the immigrant experience, as well as a manifesto of self-love for Asian American children.
We see eyes that point toward the sun, that give us the warmth and joy of a thousand rays when you smile. We see hair as inky black and smooth as a peaceful night sky. We see skin brushed with gold.
This joyful and lyrical picture book from New York Times-bestselling author Eva Chen is a moving ode to the immigrant experience, as well as a manifesto of self-love for Asian American children.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2022
14 people are currently reading
803 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
April 15, 2022
We loved the illustrations. So pretty! The book cover, the foods, the dragon, and the lotus flowers were especially gorgeous. This story read like a memoir with the girl having short hair resembling the author’s as well as family photos. The story of the girl and her family who is Chinese-American experiences living in US as an immigrant is also similar to the author per the author’s note. The secret power was a good advice from a parent to a child and from a book to its readers. Despite this book focused on Chinese-American, it can be relatable to other immigrants as well. All of us who’s parents came to the US to give us younger generations a brighter future left behind grandparents back home too.
This book followed a Chinese-American girl named Mei, a Chinese name translated into English would meant beautiful. A question was asked of Mei what she saw when she looked upon a mirror. She saw her eyes pointing towards the sun, smooth inky night sky black hair, and golden skin. Her parents said they saw hopes and dreams from their ancestors when they look at Mei. Her parents traveled to an unknown land (an immigration experience) and Mei became their teacher and translator. Her parents knew that Mei sometimes felt alone because people told her she was different but they couldn’t be with her all the time. Her parents promised her that there was power in being different. The secret was that she’s never alone and that she carried a golden flame inside of her and that it’s always there. The pages went on to tell what she’s made of and what she can do. There were Chinese words for grandpa and grandma and destiny too.
I Am Golden was a story of self-love for all Chinese-American growing up in another country and often feeling alone because others pointed out that they’re different. It’s a comfort and reminder to all other Chinese-American that they are seen and that they are beautiful. They have strength and power. They have the golden flame inside of them and so they should believe that they are golden. This book was also written against Asian hate crimes on the rise in US to remind kids to believe in themselves whenever they feel that they don’t fit in.
xoxo, Jasmine at www.Howusefulitis.com for more details
Many thanks to MacKidsBooks for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
This book followed a Chinese-American girl named Mei, a Chinese name translated into English would meant beautiful. A question was asked of Mei what she saw when she looked upon a mirror. She saw her eyes pointing towards the sun, smooth inky night sky black hair, and golden skin. Her parents said they saw hopes and dreams from their ancestors when they look at Mei. Her parents traveled to an unknown land (an immigration experience) and Mei became their teacher and translator. Her parents knew that Mei sometimes felt alone because people told her she was different but they couldn’t be with her all the time. Her parents promised her that there was power in being different. The secret was that she’s never alone and that she carried a golden flame inside of her and that it’s always there. The pages went on to tell what she’s made of and what she can do. There were Chinese words for grandpa and grandma and destiny too.
I Am Golden was a story of self-love for all Chinese-American growing up in another country and often feeling alone because others pointed out that they’re different. It’s a comfort and reminder to all other Chinese-American that they are seen and that they are beautiful. They have strength and power. They have the golden flame inside of them and so they should believe that they are golden. This book was also written against Asian hate crimes on the rise in US to remind kids to believe in themselves whenever they feel that they don’t fit in.
xoxo, Jasmine at www.Howusefulitis.com for more details
Many thanks to MacKidsBooks for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
March 2, 2022
Um... I really want to love this. It's important, and relevant, and lovely.
But, ah, two things concern me.
Minor point - the whole text is "we" and "you" but the title is "I" ... I would rather it have been an "I" book about a child celebrating her heritage and strength etc., or at least I would rather it be consistent.
Possible major point - it is a "we" and "you" book, esp. at the end. Most of the text is ok because the parents are gifting the child with her heritage, history, and extended family. But the climax: "Our destiny was you. Our ming is to be the keepers of your flame." So, if Mei isn't perfect or at least nearly so, her parents' lives will be meaningless; they'll be failures.
Yikes.
If you share this with your children, be sure they don't think that's the message you're sending to them. My kids aren't particularly sensitive, but even they, even though they're adults, need to be reminded, once in a while, that I love them no matter what. And when they were little I made sure they were only a very very important part of my life, but not the only thing I lived for.
But, ah, two things concern me.
Minor point - the whole text is "we" and "you" but the title is "I" ... I would rather it have been an "I" book about a child celebrating her heritage and strength etc., or at least I would rather it be consistent.
Possible major point - it is a "we" and "you" book, esp. at the end. Most of the text is ok because the parents are gifting the child with her heritage, history, and extended family. But the climax: "Our destiny was you. Our ming is to be the keepers of your flame." So, if Mei isn't perfect or at least nearly so, her parents' lives will be meaningless; they'll be failures.
Yikes.
If you share this with your children, be sure they don't think that's the message you're sending to them. My kids aren't particularly sensitive, but even they, even though they're adults, need to be reminded, once in a while, that I love them no matter what. And when they were little I made sure they were only a very very important part of my life, but not the only thing I lived for.
January 26, 2023
I like the sentiment behind the book, but I'm just not a fan of picture books that choose to offer vague, inspirational rah-rah over an actual story.
(Another project! I'm trying to read all the picture books and graphic novels on the kids section of NPR's Books We Love 2022.)
(Another project! I'm trying to read all the picture books and graphic novels on the kids section of NPR's Books We Love 2022.)
April 10, 2022
As an Asian American who has had childhood experiences of not feeling comfortable with how I looked, this is the kind of book I wish I had growing up. It celebrates my Asian heritage in a way that feels empowering to any child or adult needing that extra support.
April 17, 2022
✨ "It's a strange world we live in — people will call you different with one breath and then say that we all look the same with the next angry breath."
Described as a moving to the immigrant experience and a manifesto of self-love for Chinese American children, this is one book that all kids should read!
I love the author's and illustrator's note, in which they share their own experiences with growing up as an immigrant. The family photos they've included at the end of the book also tugged at my heartstrings.
Described as a moving to the immigrant experience and a manifesto of self-love for Chinese American children, this is one book that all kids should read!
I love the author's and illustrator's note, in which they share their own experiences with growing up as an immigrant. The family photos they've included at the end of the book also tugged at my heartstrings.
March 5, 2022
The optimism shines in this book. Kids reading this will wish they had traits that looked more Chinese. We see eyes that point toward the sun, that give us the warmth and joy of a thousand rays when you smile. We see hair as inky black and smooth as a peaceful night sky. We see skin brushed with gold.
It is an inspirational and well illustrated book that helps kids that feel different understand that they should be proud of their secret power and golden flame within.
We are artists, scientists, athletes
We are dancers, teachers, inventors
We are architects, actors, writers
Kids will say "again" when you finish this book with them.
It is an inspirational and well illustrated book that helps kids that feel different understand that they should be proud of their secret power and golden flame within.
We are artists, scientists, athletes
We are dancers, teachers, inventors
We are architects, actors, writers
Kids will say "again" when you finish this book with them.
February 7, 2022
“People will call you different with one breath and then say that we all look the same with the next angry breath. But they don’t know that each of our golden flames flickers distinctly. That our stories are infinitely unique.”
February 17, 2022
4.5 rounded up. Loove so much about this. The concept, most of the writing, the art and the photographs .only reason it isn’t full 5 glorious stars is the end felt a teensy bit clunky not quite full sticking of the landing to wrap it up. It has a lot in it where Yiu could also argue it could be more focused on what it is trying to get across? Perhaps I’m being picky?
It’s a gorgeous book with fantastic, important rep shown lovingly and with some depth that’s hard to do in a picture book. and I’ll definitely use it and rec it for other classrooms and our home library :).
More books like these please
It’s a gorgeous book with fantastic, important rep shown lovingly and with some depth that’s hard to do in a picture book. and I’ll definitely use it and rec it for other classrooms and our home library :).
More books like these please
February 28, 2022
I AM GOLDEN follows Mei and her immigrant family's experiences. It is a manifest of self-love for Chinese American children - we celebrate our Asian features, food, culture and ultimately heritage.
In this delightful picture book, we are encouraged to raise our voice against otherness and I appreciate how our stories are unique and golden rich. We are able to hope and dream big. Based on the author and illustrator's own experiences, I often felt seen in the pages and wanted to further embrace my heritage.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Feiwel Friends - in exchange for an honest review ]
In this delightful picture book, we are encouraged to raise our voice against otherness and I appreciate how our stories are unique and golden rich. We are able to hope and dream big. Based on the author and illustrator's own experiences, I often felt seen in the pages and wanted to further embrace my heritage.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Feiwel Friends - in exchange for an honest review ]
March 3, 2022
Loved this! All about taking pride in who you are and what makes you different and special though others might not realize it!
The Golden Flame idea reminds me of the Pintele Yid!
The Golden Flame idea reminds me of the Pintele Yid!
March 15, 2022
This is a joyful celebration of parents' love of their child, with lots of cultural detail and illustrations that really shine.
September 16, 2024
"I Am Golden" is a picture book which is written by the Asian author Eva Chen. It talks about an Asian American girl named Mei who lives with her family in the United States. She is an immigrant student. The book explains how the girl Mei became the teacher and translator for her parents. The book explains how Mei saw herself in a very positive way when her parents asked her what do you see in the mirror. Mai 's parents want her to get hopes and dreams from their ancestors. Her parents knew that Mei sometimes felt alone because people told her she was different. They informed her that they wouldn't be with her all the time so they want her to always think of positive thoughts that will keep her strong all the time which was by using the golden flame that is always inside her.
she goes to school and tries to reflect on her identity and heritage. I really liked the book and I would definitely recommend it to preschoolers to third grade teachers because it explores themes of self-love, cultural pride, and the importance of family. I really liked when Mai family wants to make sure that mei goes to the her school and reflect who she is by talking about identity and heritage which is the unique thing that she has in the community that she lives in .
The book is a pretty good read that encourages self-love in immigrants planning to enter the United States. I experienced a distinct sense of loneliness when I was in Texas and people made comments about how different I was from them, pointing out that I was the only Muslim girl in the entire school wearing a scarf on my head. I think the book serves as a consoling reminder to all immigrants that they are valued and appreciated for who they are. They are powerful and strong. They ought to think of themselves as golden since they possess the golden flame.
she goes to school and tries to reflect on her identity and heritage. I really liked the book and I would definitely recommend it to preschoolers to third grade teachers because it explores themes of self-love, cultural pride, and the importance of family. I really liked when Mai family wants to make sure that mei goes to the her school and reflect who she is by talking about identity and heritage which is the unique thing that she has in the community that she lives in .
The book is a pretty good read that encourages self-love in immigrants planning to enter the United States. I experienced a distinct sense of loneliness when I was in Texas and people made comments about how different I was from them, pointing out that I was the only Muslim girl in the entire school wearing a scarf on my head. I think the book serves as a consoling reminder to all immigrants that they are valued and appreciated for who they are. They are powerful and strong. They ought to think of themselves as golden since they possess the golden flame.
July 14, 2022
In a love note to a Chinese child from her parents, readers will journey through the world as an immigrant, interacting with family still overseas, relishing in connections to Chinese culture, and learning the meaning of her name. Illustrator Sophie Diao outdid herself in a way that allows everyone to relish in traditional Chinese cultural connections while emphasizing that beauty is warm and as glowing as the love this family has for their culture. The author and illustrator notes at the end are heartfelt and sincere and remind me how important it is to have books that connect to each and every student we serve. Thank you both for this amazing book that I see as a first purchase for all libraries servicing children.
I love this book! Eva Chen, author, and Sophie Diao, illustrator, combine to create magic much like the magic of a phoenix rising in my mind. This story reads a bit like a parent talking to a child and it is more magical with every turn of the page! I am certain my Chinese students will love this book, but I see so much wonderful conversation we could have talking about connections to culture. I have read this one several times today as one time through is not enough. It makes my heart full each time I look at it!
I love this book! Eva Chen, author, and Sophie Diao, illustrator, combine to create magic much like the magic of a phoenix rising in my mind. This story reads a bit like a parent talking to a child and it is more magical with every turn of the page! I am certain my Chinese students will love this book, but I see so much wonderful conversation we could have talking about connections to culture. I have read this one several times today as one time through is not enough. It makes my heart full each time I look at it!
September 29, 2025
Mei is a young girl who immigrated to America as a baby. Her mother kindly reminds her how beautiful and strong she always is. To silence the noise of others and remember that her inner glory shines through as an asian american girl. I would recommend this story to children aged 6-9; however, it is rated 4-8. I think it may be a large concept that is slightly more difficult for small minds to grasp. If I were teaching a second-grade class, I would use this in a discussion about self-worth and that beauty can stem from the inside, too.
August 5, 2023
This book is amazing. It has beautiful illustrations and an equally beautiful message. It is very empowering and uplifting; it is great to see a book that talks about real issues in a powerful but still approachable way. This book showcases diversity in an awesomely multifaceted light—recognizing and honoring heritage while simultaneously acknowledging that differences don’t necessarily need to be in the forefront of our thoughts. I’m not doing its message justice, but I strongly believe this is a fantastic book.
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November 18, 2025As a reader we are encouraged to feel confident in who we are. This book is about a Chinese girl who is is learning about her culture and how unique it is and how her families traditions play a big role into who she is. I would love to bring diversity in my future class library which is why i would include this book that is for preschoolers-3rd grade. I believe diversity is an important subject and that it’s critical for us to learn about others culture and differences and how it shapes them into who they are.
April 14, 2022
5 stars. Joyful celebration of a young girl’s Chinese heritage, an expression of thankfulness for her parents’ immigration experience. Vibrant illustrations. Creator notes include photos and details of their childhoods and a wish for all children to embrace their own cultures. Check out that case cover art also.
November 17, 2022
I think this is an amazing book. With wonderful illustrations and messages, I think this is a great read for elementary aged children. I love how it offers an empowering story for Chinese Americans and all to read. I really enjoyed the author's and illustrator's note about their experience with growing up as a Chinese immigrant.
December 30, 2022
One of the most impactful illustrations and text papers is where the parents acknowledge becoming immigrants for a better life for their child.....and how their child is their interpreter, their teacher and translator. Not many texts acknowledge this fact and to me, it is another window/mirror/door. Because it IS what happens for many with ESL homes.
May 4, 2024
"it's a strange world we live in—people will call you different with one breath and then say that we all look the same with the next angry breath."
this book will heal a lot of people. loved it and can't wait to include it in my library for any kids my friends and family bring over.
this book will heal a lot of people. loved it and can't wait to include it in my library for any kids my friends and family bring over.
February 21, 2022
Beautiful. The art and the story are great, hoping to share at my school library
March 20, 2022
Gorgeous. Read this from the library but it's one I will purchase. Must have for identity collections.
June 11, 2022
"There is power in being different."
July 2, 2022
4.5/5. I love that the book inspires self-love in Asian-looking kids.
June 8, 2023
So cute, and a great message about the value of culture ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
This book is great to teach about a wonderful culture.
I has beautiful poetry and art to go with it.
It has an empowering story and teaches self love.
I has beautiful poetry and art to go with it.
It has an empowering story and teaches self love.
September 23, 2021
Beautiful and honest. An absolute joy, inspiring and a must read. The words and the art are equally inspiring.
January 6, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an audio copy to listen to and review.
I adore this book. As the mother to children who are Chinese and Caucasian I love the beautiful way Eva Chen celebrates her daughter Mei. She may look different from others, but looking different is just as beautiful as looking the same. I can't wait to add a physical copy of this to my home and classroom library.
I adore this book. As the mother to children who are Chinese and Caucasian I love the beautiful way Eva Chen celebrates her daughter Mei. She may look different from others, but looking different is just as beautiful as looking the same. I can't wait to add a physical copy of this to my home and classroom library.
May 13, 2022
A Chinese-American child may feel different, but her mother tells her, "you are made of dragons, of phoenixes, of jade rabbits, and of monkey kings." She is golden.
Attractive art.
Attractive art.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews