Author Jessica Kim virtually visits Osan Middle High School
OSAN, SOUTH KOREA – Students at Osan Middle High School had the opportunity to speak virtually with American author Jessica Kim on May 7, 2024, in the Cougar Library Information Center on campus.
Kim, a former elementary school teacher, penned the middle school-level novel “Stand Up Yumi Chung!” In preparation for her virtual visit, middle school students read the book, which is on often included on recommended reading lists.
During the visit, Ms. Kim talked about her family and upbringing with an accompanying slideshow and photos, her path to becoming a published author, the financial aspects of writing, and how to deal with constant rejection, yet persevere. She even showed our middle schoolers the large pile of rejection letters from book agents, that she received when trying to publish her first book, as well as the large pile of acceptance letters for “Stand Up Yumi Chung!” She read some of the rejection letters to our middle schoolers, including one that was very unkind and cutthroat. This fueled her fire to continue and prove her naysayers wrong.
“I loved how Ms. (Jessica) Kim showed her resilience and determination of becoming a writer,” said Ms. Moon, one of the event’s supervising teachers. “I especially appreciated how she showed the students her rejection letters and acceptance letters. The reaction from our students was powerful. I hope the students who came to the talk saw how hard work and resilience can take one far in life. The students and I enjoyed listening to Ms. Kim describing her journey and books.”
In addition to participating in a Q and A, Ms. Kim shared a speak peek at two of her soon-to-be published books: “On Thin Ice” and “Stories from the Spider-verse,” the latter of which will be a collection of stories by various authors, one of which is Ms. Kim. The stories will focus on Silk, the first Asian Spider-girl.
Author visits like Ms. Kim’s promote literacy and reading, giving students the opportunity to interact with a professional writer and get inspired while supporting student learning.
