I absolutely LOVED this book. I thought it was so sweet, so empowering, so full of love. It made me cry! I will definitely be purchasing this for the library as it's a book that any child would find hope in.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* very cute story and artwork! i really enjoyed reading this and would buy it.

A beautiful story in which a Chinese American family is helping to tell a Chinese American child more about her history while raising up her culture and helping encourage her to celebrate herself. The art and color scheme is lovely. A must own,

This review is for the audiobook, which is captivating and incorporates beautifully chosen music, but it is difficult to review a picturebook one hasn’t seen. The language is as melodic as the music and the message of Asian American love, affirmation, family, and culture comes through exquisitely. The text of family celebrations, “delectable deliciousness”, is an apt description of the mood of the book.
The cover illustration is gorgeous and I look forward to seeing the art that accompanies the text. The audiobook is read by the author and includes an autobiographical note at the end about the author's childhood and the inspiration for the story.

I received an Audio Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This review is only for I AM GOLDEN (the audiobook), without the pictures .

This is a beautiful book that celebrates Chinese-American identity. A book that is lyrical and emphasizes on self-love. I AM GOLDEN is a parent's letter to their child, validating the child that they are enough, they are beautiful the way that they are, and that they come from a line of ancestors that follow them through this journey even though they continue their journey in a different country (in this case, China to US). My son and I listened to this audiobook together and he loved it just as much as I did.

A cute book! My six year old and I listened to it together and we loved it. It was the gateway book to my daughter living audio books. Recommend!

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.
It is difficult to image a more glowing, self-affirming picture book for a child than I Am Golden. This ode a Chinese American child exudes with positivity and gorgeous imagery. Text is laden with homages to a Chinese heritage: dragons, a phoenix, sizzling garlic, steaming bao, and lotus blossoms.
Mei and her parents left their home in China and immigrated to the United States where she lives the bifurcated life of an immigrant. She delights in popular boy bands and pizza at school but at home enjoys the comfort of Mandarin and soup dumplings.
Picture
Chen poetically explores the concept of identity, emphasizing the characteristics which make Mei unique. Her individuality is her superpower.
Diao's luminous art casts a magical glow over each page. Using warm golden hues, Images clearly convey the message that distinctive hair, skin, and facial features are an asset. The warmth and support of generations from family members is particularly poignant as loving arms surround her.
A picture book that is both a window, allowing children to see and appreciate a culture they may be less familiar with, and a mirror for Asian American children to view themselves as admirable. Stellar addition to classroom and library collections. Bonus: The audiobook edition is read by the author.

This book, perhaps, suffered from the fact that I just recently read another picture book dealing with the exact same topic and couldn't help but compare the two works. There is also the fact that I got only an audiobook version of this and so have no visuals to include in my review. I did, however, really enjoy this. The audiobook does add music to great effect and it also includes an Author's note that really delves into the need for Asian children to love themselves especially during this time of heightened Asian hate. It's important for all children to see themselves in a positive light in the media they consume, so something like this is always needed.

This is a very short book with a positive message. An affirmation that you are special because you are different.

I received a copy of the audiobook- it is filled with background sound effects, really drawing you into the story.

Because I only received an audio copy, I cannot attest to the pictures.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

During lunch a lot of the other classrooms listen to stories. I am 100% recommending this one. It is beautifully articulated! It is playful, powerful and important. We need more stories like this written from first person perspectives and not by bystanders. 10/10 recommend!

What a lovely little book! I enjoyed this audio recording and appreciated Eva’s words at the end about why she wrote this book when she did (during the pandemic). These are words I’d like my own children to listen to as they are growing up and I am thankful this book is out in the world for other Chinese American children to read.

This book is amazing, even though, for me, listening to an audiobook of a picture book is hard. Eva Chen, the author, narrates this fast read. While I miss the illustrations, she takes me on the journey with her.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for making this audiobook available for an honest review.

It was very odd to hear only the text of a picture book without seeing the pictures. It definitely felt like getting only half the information. On the other hand, it is interesting in that pictures often shift your view of the words on the page, so it's interesting to focus only on this part. The text is lovely, able to describe real world situations felt and experienced by the author, while also evoking emotion and beauty. I am excited to see the pictures.

Loved this! I'm a big Eva Chen fan and I think that this book is so important. I love that she narrates it, too!

A beautiful, vivid story written from the voice of immigrant parents to their Chinese American child reminding them of the rich culture that is their roots and their shining potential for a brighter future. Lyrical prose delicately evokes images from Chinese legends and myths. The symbolism in this story is delicate and beautiful, like a young child. Author Eva Chen highlights her struggles growing up as a Chinese American child facing racism and bullying. A wonderful listen with sound effects and music that enriches the experience.

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.

This is a beautiful book about our own light that shines. The pictures are absolutely beautiful, my child was very engaged and it was a great introduction to self love, self trust.
Definitely recommend, loved it and we read it many times.

I did a great disservice to this book by listening to the audio and not reading the print edition. This is a very short text, basically it is just a love letter from a parent to a child. However, the authors note at the end adds so much more meaning and really resonated with me. As an American teacher, teaching international students in China (and Mei is part of my Chinese name !) , the book was especially meaningful. I would certainly incorporate it into my classroom library, no matter what age I am teaching, if I ever teach back in the US again.
The audiobook gets 1.5 stars - it’s not a book. But the story overall, with the author’s note earns 4.

I Am Golden is a picture book that celebrates children with different colored skin by showing them all skin colors are beautiful. The book also includes a tale by the author of her experience as an immigrant child in the United States and some of the hurtful moments she endured at the hands of other children. This is a great little story to show children to love themselves as they are as well as teach empathy and awareness about how words and behavior can hurt other children.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio copy of this wonderful book. This self-affirming story beautifully combines great writing and an immigrant experience. A must have for any classroom library. Looking forward to sharing this great book with my students when it is published.