Alvina Ling – Children’s Book Editor

New York, NY

I also love just living life and having as many experiences as I can. I believe in possibilities (or as I call them, “bloomabilities”–a word I’ve adopted from one of my favorite children’s books).

ling.alvina1Who are you?

I’m a second generation Taiwanese American woman in her mid-thirties. I currently live and work in New York City, but I’ve also lived in Atlanta (although just for the first 9 months of my life!); in PA near Pittsburgh; Edison, NJ; upstate NY; Southern CA; the Bay Area; Taipei, Taiwan; and Boston. I’m a children’s book editor and I love my job. I also consider myself a loving daughter, sister (to an older and younger brother), and friend. I love traveling and having adventures, and I especially love to eat all kinds of food (including Taiwanese, of course!)

What do you do?

For my career, I am a children’s book editor for Little, Brown and Company. I acquire and edit books for all ages, from board books to picture books, Middle Grade novels, young adult novels, and a little bit of nonfiction thrown in. I am passionate about publishing books featuring underrepresented characters (including Taiwanese). One of my recently edited books, WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON, by Taiwanese American author Grace Lin, won the Newbery Honor.

I also love just living life and having as many experiences as I can. I believe in possibilities (or as I call them, “bloomabilities”–a word I’ve adopted from one of my favorite children’s books).

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

As a 2nd-generation Taiwanese American, I am proud that my parents had the strength and courage to come to a new country not knowing the language or culture. More than being proud of my Taiwanese heritage, I am proud to be my parents’ daughter. Fu-Wen (Evan) and Elena Ling have always encouraged and supported me, even in the nontraditional career I’ve chosen. I’ve always admired their partnership in their marriage –I think their relationship was ahead of their time, and I appreciate that my father was an equal partner in both his marriage and in raising us kids. I’m also proud of Taiwan’s rich history and culture, amazed that they could go from martial law to a full democracy in so little time. And, of course, I love the food!

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

My dream of the future of Taiwanese America is that every American will know the difference between Taiwanese and Chinese (and Also Taiwanese and Thai!). I would love more Taiwanese cuisine to become mainstream, just as bubble tea has achieved.

Any additional information you would like to share?

My favorite Taiwanese foods are bah-zang, oyster pancakes, and the breakfast of hot soy milk and savory doughnuts. Yum.

Feel free to visit my blogs www.bloomabilities.blogspot.com or a group blog on children’s books I contribute to every Monday: www.bluerosegirls.blogspot.com. I’m also on Twitter: @planetalvina.

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