published Atlantic Highlands Herald 13 April 2006

press release

For A Book Reading and Signing

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — On Wednesday, April 5th, children in Atlantic Highlands were treated to a book reading and signing by local children’s author, Lin Fong-O’Neill. This special reading event was organized by The Friends of The Atlantic Highlands Library. The after-school event, held in the new Media Center at Atlantic Highlands Elementary School, was a great opportunity for the kids to hear Mrs. Fong-O’Neill read from her book, “Mommy, Why?”.

The book depicts a number of heart-felt, straightforward discussions regarding diversity and acceptance, between a mom and her 7-year-old daughter Anna. Anna and her mom touch upon differences children experience everyday in culture, appearance, disability, family, marriage and love. The Asian mother and daughter speak openly and frankly to each other, and their conversations answer many sensitive questions with a quiet clarity. The book is beautifully illustrated by Hye Jung Yang.

In the Media Center the children settled into place on the floor in front of a comfortable, oversized reading chair while Mrs. Fong-O’Neill was introduced by Friends of the Atlantic Highlands Library President, Linda Lucas. Before beginning her book reading Mrs. Lucas invited Mrs. Fong-O’Neill to share with the children a little about herself and her reasons for writing “Mommy, Why?”.

Mrs. Fong-O’Neill told the children how came to the United Sates from China when she was 17, only two weeks before beginning her new job in the mail room of a large, prestigious New York corporation. The first home she had here in the U.S. was in New York in an apartment in Harlem. There she learned her first lessons on diversity. Fong-O’Neill worked her way up the corporate ladder to management positions where she worked on global projects. Dealing with diversity was part of her daily routine in the corporate world as well. After retiring in 2001 Mrs. Fong-O’Neill became interested in writing and educating children and their parents about the importance of learning and teaching diversity lessons early in life.

After the reading, children were invited to ask the author questions about the book. A number of the children were happy to announce that they enjoyed the story and they liked Anna, the little girl in the story. A few wanted to know if Mrs. Fong-O’Neill had written any other books. Fong-O’Neill has written another book, “Daddy, Why?” which will be out this coming summer. The next book will deal with the issue of unconditional love, using a young boy’s adoption as the central theme of the story.

The Author then asked a few questions of the children. She asked them about differences they might see in Chinese culture and American culture. She asked if anyone knew why the color red was so important in Chinese culture. After a few guesses the author volunteered that the color red signified good luck. “Wedding dresses are traditionally bright red symbolizing good luck for a marriage”, explained Fong-O’Neill. This cultural fact and others like it are taught by Fong-O’Neill in her diversity program entitled “Let’s Learn Chinese”. In the 45-minute class she shows children ages 6-9 the signs of the Chinese horoscope and the meanings, teaches Chinese characters, and discusses many common Chinese items.

As the question time came to a close, the author sold signed copies of her books and handed out book marks to the children according to their birth year. A large group of third grade students huddled together over a table all talking about being born in 1997, the Chinese year of the Ox. They were happy with the book mark that proclaimed, “Bright, patient and inspiring to others, you can be happy by yourself, yet make an outstanding parent.” Only time will tell.

The Friends of the Atlantic Highlands Library wish to thank Atlantic Highlands Elementary School for the use of the new Media Center for this event. The Friends thank Lin Fong-O’Neill for sharing her distinct experiences on diversity, her messages of tolerance and acceptance, and for her enthusiasm for a child’s innate sense to question, “why?”. Read more about Lin Fong-O’Neill at www.lotuswriting.com.

Want to become a Friend of the Atlantic Highlands Library? You can pick-up a Friends brochure at the Atlantic Highlands Public Library, 100 First Avenue, and Atlantic Highlands. Or visit the Friends on the web at www.atlantichighlands.lib.nj.us.