Read Your World (formerly Multicultural Children’s Book Day) is on January 29, 2026!
This is my 9th year participating as an author sponsor and reviewer, and my 6th as a co-host! Wait – can that be right? Time really flies! It’s my favorite book event every year! More information about #ReadYourWorld Virtual Party is below right after my book review. This year I have the honor of reviewing three books which were #gifted to me as part of Read Your World.
We Sing From the Heart, by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Victor Bizar Gomez
Mia Wenjen has written another powerful and timely book, this time telling the story of The Slants and why standing up for justice matters for all of us. Who are The Slants? They were an Asian American band denied the right to trademark their name, and they took their fight for free speech all the way to the Supreme Court!
The story centers on Simon Tam and the racism and bigotry he experienced growing up. From an early age, Simon learned that reclaiming a stereotype, rather than letting it define him, could be a source of strength. As an adult, he formed a band and deliberately named it The Slants, transforming a hurtful term into a statement of pride, resistance, and self-definition.
When Simon applied to trademark the band’s name, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected it, claiming the name was racist. Yet the government had previously allowed non-Asian applicants to trademark slurs like “Jap,” “gook,” and “Chink.” The message was clear: Asian Americans were being treated differently. Refusing to accept this injustice, Simon chose to fight back – not just for himself, but for fairness and equal treatment under the law.
As the years went on, Simon kept playing music, kept speaking out, and became increasingly visible as an advocate and role model, especially for Asian American youth who rarely see themselves represented in stories about civil rights. After eight long years, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of The Slants. What began as a fight against racism became a landmark victory protecting freedom of speech for everyone—across cultures, communities, and identities.
This compelling and inspirational book is a must-have. It shows how one person’s experience as a member of a marginalized community can spark change that benefits a multicultural society as a whole.
The back matter is especially meaningful. Mia Wenjen includes a list of others who have fought anti-Asian racism, words from Simon Tam himself, and the lyrics to his song “From the Heart,” which became an anthem for their trademark battle. She also shares how she wrote a letter of support for Simon’s case, reminding readers that allyship matters and that standing up for justice can take many forms. Well done, Mia!
#READYOURWORLD
Now, for more info about Read Your World 2026 and the Virtual Party:
Read Your World 2026 (1/29/26) is in its 14th year! Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative; they are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural diverse books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.
Read Your World’s mission is to raise awareness of the need to include kids’ books celebrating diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission and history HERE.
Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Medallion:
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)
🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 60 Languages and Jeanne Walker Harvey
🏅 Gold Sponsors: Publisher Spotlight
🏅 Silver Sponsors: Red Comet Press
🏅 Silver Corporate Sponsor: Kathy Choi
🏅 Bronze Sponsors: Fabled Films Press
🏅 Corporate Sponsor: Crayola Education
Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!
Authors: Audrey Barbakoff, Federico Erebia, Teddi Ahrens, Stephanie M. Wildman, Maritza M. Mejia, Authors J.C. Kato and J.C.², Eugenia Chu, Dorktales Storytime Podcast, Josh Funk, Frances Díaz Evans, Gaia Cornwall, Eric Clock, Maria Wen Adcock, Diana Huang, Gwen Jackson, Gea Meijering, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Ismee Williams, Karin Fisher-Golton, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Tami Lehman-Wilzig, Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou, Nancy Tupper Ling, Teresa Robeson,Crystal Z. Lee, Karen Leggett Abouraya, Elly Swartz, Robbin Miller, Shifa Safadi, Tonya Ellis,Lisa Stringfellow, Sylvia Liu, Kimberly Biddle, Robbin Miller, Tonya Ellis, Nadine Pressley, Natahsa Yim Carter, and Lisa Chong.
Read Your World is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts and by our Partner Organizations!
Check out RYW’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!
📌 FREE RESOURCES from Read Your World Day
- FREE RYW2026 Poster
- FREE Building Community with Bilingual Books 2026 Classroom Kit
- FREE Mental Health Support for Stressful Times Classroom Kit
- FREE Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents
- FREE Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit
- Gallery of Our Free Posters
- FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program
📌 Register for the Read Your World Virtual Party: https://readyourworld.org/virtualparty
Join us on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 8 pm EST celebrating 14 years of Read Your World Day Virtual Party! Register here.
This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.
We will be giving away a 10-Book Bundle during the virtual party plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants are welcome. **
Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. We look forward to seeing you all on January 29, 2026, at our virtual party!