Honoring My Daughter’s Identity Through Stories

A Library of Belonging: Honoring My Daughter’s Identity Through Stories

When I found out I was going to have a daughter, my heart swelled with joy, and my mind quickly began spinning with dreams for her future. Among those dreams was one clear and immediate goal: to build a home library that would embrace and celebrate her biracial identity as a Cambodian Mexican American.

It seemed simple at first—a loving parent curating books that reflected her heritage, her roots, and the rich tapestry of who she would grow up to be. But when I searched for children’s books that centered on Cambodian culture, history, or even stories of Cambodian American families, the results were disheartening. I searched local libraries, combed through bookstores, and scoured online platforms, hoping to find stories that would affirm her identity and reflect her lived experiences. But there was almost nothing. My husband and I became relentless, traveling to independent bookstores and speaking to librarians. The answer was always the same: nada.

This gap in representation became a growing weight on my heart. How could my daughter see herself in the world if the world hadn’t made room for her story?

It is always a blessing to witness Yanara’s eyes light up as she explores the aisles of her favorite local bookstore. Each shelf is a new adventure waiting to unfold. With every book she picks up, her curiosity grows, and her imagination soars—always excited to discover new stories and characters.