Award-winning Author and Illustrator Ruth Chan Visits AISV

Thanks to the AISV Annual Fund, we were thrilled to have award-winning author and illustrator Ruth Chan on campus from October 13 to October 16. As part of our One Book One Middle School program, our entire Middle School community, along with Elementary School students in Grade 5, read her graphic memoir, Uprooted, in anticipation of the visit.

During her visit, all Elementary School and Middle School students attended presentations in which Ruth discussed the topics and themes of her graphic memoir, the inspiration behind the book, and the writing and illustration process. Ruth taught our students the importance of courage, perseverance, and patience when writing. Students also had the chance to meet Ruth and have their books signed. 

Students from both Elementary and Middle School were fully engaged, participating enthusiastically in Ruth’s interactive drawing activity and asking thoughtful questions about her and her books. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to meet an author who, like many of them, has lived abroad and attended an international school. Hearing real-life updates about the characters in Ruth’s book helped deepen their connection to the story while inspiring them in their own creative pursuits.

More about Ruth Chan
Ruth Chan’s memoir Uprooted has earned a Boston Globe-Horn Book Nonfiction Honor, an SCBWI Golden Kite Award for Illustrated Book/Graphic Novel for Older Readers, and a NPR Best Book of 2024.  Her work has also been featured in The New York Times, Cup of Jo, and with publishers HarperCollins, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, Disney-Hyperion, and Abrams. Prior to illustrating full time, she spent her teens in China and a decade working with youth and families in underserved communities. She is a proud Canadian and lives and works in NYC with her husband, daughter, and dog, Leroy.

Thank you to our librarians and everyone involved for creating this unique learning opportunity for our students. Extra special thanks to Ruth Chan for her inspiring visit!

Learn more about the AISV Annual Fund and make your gift today!