A Journey of Identity and Empowerment Through a Children’s Book
Long after William Shakespeare pondered the question, “What’s in a name?” a Long Island author and mother has created a new children’s book titled My Name Is Ai Lin. This story brings beauty, sensitivity, and a deep appreciation for cultural identity to the conversation about names. The book, released on July 1 via Sleeping Bear Press, is Maria Wen Adcock’s second children’s book. Her first, It’s Chinese New Year, Curious George, was published by Clarion Books/HarperCollins Publisher in 2023.
On Saturday, Wen Adcock will host a book launch party and signing for My Name Is Ai Lin from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Huntington Public Library, located at 338 Main Street in Huntington. The event is open to the public and includes a book reading, signing, light refreshments, and crafts for children. This celebration highlights not only the book itself but also the journey of its creator.
The Author and Illustrator Behind the Story
Maria Wen Adcock, a first-generation Chinese American writer, is the founder of the award-winning blog BiculturalMama.com. She has appeared in various media outlets, including Bloomberg News, Huffington Post, The Dr. Oz Show, and Newsday. As a board member of Multicultural Kid Blogs, she supports diverse parenting bloggers and co-hosts the annual event Multicultural Children’s Book Day. She resides on Long Island.
The illustrator, Yu Ting Cheng, graduated with an MFA in computer art from the School of Visual Arts in New York. After several years in the animation field, she draws inspiration from her love for storytelling and the everyday magic of life. Her experiences abroad deeply resonate with Ai Lin’s journey. Cheng believes that every name carries a story waiting to be told and remembered. She currently lives in Taipei, Taiwan.
Together, they have crafted a children’s book that celebrates truth, respect, kindness, and the traditions that shape our identities.
A Story of Identity and Respect
In My Name Is Ai Lin, the story follows a young girl who faces challenges when her classmates struggle to pronounce her name. While some may dismiss the importance of a name, Ai Lin knows that her name is more than just a label—it represents her heritage, family, and identity. Through her journey, she teaches others that a name can be a person’s story, special and unique.
The real-life Ai Lin is Wen Adcock’s oldest daughter, whose Chinese name is Ai Lin. The book begins when Ai Lin starts school and encounters difficulties with how her name is pronounced. One classmate suggests changing it to something easier, but Ai Lin stands firm in her belief that her name holds meaning. By sharing her family history, she helps her classmates understand the significance of a name and the importance of respecting it.
Wen Adcock shared her own childhood experience of struggling with her Chinese name, Ying-Hsing. She felt pressure to fit in and often avoided correcting others when they mispronounced her last name, Wen. She hopes that through Ai Lin’s story, children will learn to embrace their identities and stand up for themselves.
A Message of Diversity and Understanding
Wen Adcock emphasized the importance of names as both personal and cultural identifiers. Names can represent heritage, show respect for elders, and serve as a connection to one’s roots. She believes that no one should be called by the wrong name, as it can feel like a dismissal of their identity.
Her book aims to foster social-emotional learning by teaching children empathy, respect, and tolerance for others who may be different. It encourages readers to celebrate diversity and recognize that everyone has a unique story to tell.
As parents prepare their children for the new school year, My Name Is Ai Lin can serve as a starting point for discussions about identity, belonging, and the power of language. Teachers and librarians can use the book to help students connect with their peers and learn each other’s names.
A Personal Journey to Becoming an Author
Wen Adcock always dreamed of writing a book, but she didn’t know how to make it happen. She pursued a communication degree at the University of Michigan and later earned an MBA in marketing from Indiana University. She worked in marketing for major companies such as General Mills, Sara Lee Corporation, and Time Inc., where she interacted with writers and felt drawn to the editorial side of publishing.
After the birth of her first child, she shifted careers and began freelance writing. This allowed her to work from home while gaining experience in the industry. She launched the Bicultural Mama blog, attended writing workshops, and joined critique groups to improve her craft. Her love for books began early, as she spent hours at the library and read extensively, including classic series like Nancy Drew and Curious George.
Wen Adcock believes that reading to young children sets the foundation for literacy and bonding. She hopes her book inspires children to embrace their uniqueness and empowers them to pursue their dreams, no matter how long the journey may take.
A Celebration of Family and Heritage
Both of Wen Adcock’s daughters are featured in the book under their Chinese names, Ai Lin and Ai Mei. They are proud to see their mother’s journey come to life in a published book. Wen Adcock hopes that the story will inspire her children to believe in their own potential and recognize that perseverance can lead to success.
Through My Name Is Ai Lin, she honors her family, her heritage, and the importance of names. The book serves as a reminder that small actions—like saying someone’s name correctly—can make a big difference in how we connect with one another.
