Nhung is a physician, author, mother of three, and an advocate for social justice in education. At the age of five, her family was sponsored to Canada as refugees from the Vietnam war. She writes children’s stories that convey the humanity in our lives. Her books have been shortlisted for the Alberta Literary Award, Blue Spruce Award, and Red Maple Award.
She established the Children of Vietnam Benevolent Foundation to help provide hope and opportunities to impoverished children. She founded the Kemosa Scholarship for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Mothers Who Write to help effect positive changes in the community through the voices of indigenous mothers. She as well founded the Zyp Art Gallery to help support local artists and bring awareness to social issues through the arts.
She was awarded Alberta Venture magazine as one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People in 2014, RBC’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award in 2019, AFP’s Community Enrichment Award in 2021, and the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023.
Nhung is available for virtual sessions and in-person half-day bookings. Full day and overnight/multi-day bookings will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Presentations
1. The Journey of Refugees & Immigrants and the power of kindness
Books: A Grain of Rice (Target audience Grade 5-8) or The Doll (Target audience Gr K – 5)
Nhung introduces herself and her background as a refugee/immigrant and gives a summary of what inspired her to write. After a short reading from A Grain of Rice or The Doll, there is discussion with students on their own journey, refugees/immigration, and paying forward kindness, the process of writing and coming up with story ideas, and getting published. Session includes time for Q&A.
2. Beyond these Mountains and the Villages: The power of education
Book: Ten Cents A Pound (Target audience Grade K-5)
Nhung introduces herself and her background as a refugee/immigrant and gives a summary of what inspired her to write. After a short reading from Ten Cents a Pound, there is discussion with students on their own journey, the importance of education, parental sacrifices, poverty, the process of writing and coming up with story ideas, and getting published. Session includes time for Q&A.
3. Book: Green Papayas (Target Audience K-5)
Nhung introduces herself and her background as a physician and gives a summary of what inspired her to write. After a reading from Green Papayas, there is discussion with students on their experience with the elderly, touching upon illness and dementia. Nhung hopes to explore the students’ learning journey with their grandparents, and encourage appreciation of each student’s unique heritage. She will also discuss the process of writing and coming up with story ideas, and getting published. Session includes time for Q&A.
Fees:
Nhung’s in-person half day (two 50-60 minute sessions) fee is $400 and her virtual fee is $200/hour.
Bibliography
2023 Green Papayas, illustrated by Gillian Newland, Red Deer Press
2021 The Doll, illustrated by Ravi Puth, Second Story Press
2019 A Grain Of Rice, Tradewind Books
2018 Ten Cents a Pound, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon, Second Story Press
2012 Daddy is a Conundrum, illustrated by Stephanie Parker, Friesen Press