Join Bilingual Book Launch “Tinkering Towards My Spark” – Saint Paul, MN

We invite you to join us for an engaging and heartfelt evening as we celebrate the launch of Tinkering Towards My Spark / Nrij Nrij Nrawj Nrawj Txog Kuv Lub Teeb Ci the latest story in the Our Stories Carried Us Here series. Written by Thai Chang and illustrated by Khou Vue, this bilingual book (English/Hmong) shares Thai’s journey from Wat Tham Krabok, a refugee camp in Thailand to discovering his passion for STEM.

Thai reflects on his early experiences as a child playing with old broken cassette players in Wat Tham Krabok and how that curiosity blossomed into a lifelong love for building and creating. Through his story, we gain insight into the challenges faced by refugee families, the strength of cultural identity, and the triumph of discovering one’s spark in a new land.

• ​​Join us to hear from the contributors and see original art from the book in person
• Admission fee includes a complimentary copy of the book upon arrival
• Dinner with light refreshments

We’re excited to come together, share stories, and bring this space to life!

RSVP by getting your ticket now which includes a signed copy of the book, free parking, light refreshment, performance, and meet the contributors.

Join us for this special celebration at the Science Museum of Minnesota.

PRAISE AND REVIEWS

“Thai Chang’s story is a reminder of the incredible trajectory of a single life; once a refugee boy playing among trash in a makeshift camp in a Buddhist temple in Thailand, Chang becomes a program exhibitor for the Science Museum of MN. Illustrator Khou Vue’s artistry facilitates the unfolding of a narrative that is direct and compelling.”

— Kao Kalia Yang, award-winning author of The Latehomecomer, The Song Poet, Somewhere in the Unknown World, and Where Rivers Part

“Excellent choice of genre to amplify the simplicity of how powerful storytelling is in the first person, resonating to learners at all levels in a student-centered fashion that their stories matter.”

— Be Vang, LEAP High School Principal, former Saint Paul Public Schools Educator

“[…] a beautiful self-reflection and personal narrative that lovingly illustrates universal themes: coming of age, family, community, creativity, and finding and following one’s personal passions and interests.”

— Joanne Jones-Rizzi, Vice President of Science Equity and Education Science Museum of MN

“What an amazing book about resiliency, opportunity, and triumph. I highly recommend the book for teachers, young readers, and for those with interest in understanding the challenges faced by our newest Americans, the Hmong!”

— Lee Pao Xiong, Director of the Center for Hmong Studies at Concordia University

[Thai Chang] His journey through hardship, hope, and determination resonates deeply with me, as I helped make the resettlement of Hmong refugees from Wat Thamkrabok possible in 2003. This book brought healing and closure to me, and I believe it will do the same for others. It reminds us that every dream, no matter how humble or distant, is worth pursuing with unwavering determination.

— Bo Thao-Urabe, Civic Leader, Social Entrepreneur, and Principal of Seed Grow Bloom LLC

“Thai’s journey inspires us not only to pursue our own dreams but also to support others in achieving theirs. His story is a beautiful journey of perseverance and success. In a time when more refugee role models in the STEM field are needed, Thai stands out as an inspiring example for many.”

— May yer Thao, President and CEO, Hmong American Partnership and Hmong National Development