Drawn Together by Stories: A Inspiring Visit with Minh Le

Our school was abuzz with excitement as we welcomed children’s book author Minh Lê! Minh’s visit was a whirlwind of inspiration, igniting a passion for reading and writing in our young students. He engaged with every grade level, from our youngest Early Years learners to our fifth graders (and also into Middle School), sharing stories and insights into his creative process. Minh is the author of several beloved children’s picture books, including “Drawn Together,” “Let Me Finish!” “Lift” and “The Blur.” He has also written three graphic novels, including “Enlighten Me,” which is part of the Grade 6 Core Library. He spent time with students, reading and analyzing the stories and illustrations in these books, offering a unique glimpse into how a story comes to life.

Beyond the classroom visits, Minh generously dedicated his time to our faculty, offering valuable perspectives on his creative process and the stories behind “Drawn Together” – a story of the relationship between a boy and his grandfather who overcome barriers to find a common language through art.  

Minh also connected with our Vietnamese Teaching Assistants in a special session conducted in Vietnamese, which was meaningful for both Minh and our TAs. Minh appreciated having the opportunity to practice his Vietnamese. He shared that during a visit to Vietnam two years ago, he was too shy to try to speak the language that he had lost over the years.  That visit motivated him to find a Vietnamese teacher back in California so he could improve his language skills.

The highlight for many families was Minh’s parent session, where over 25 parents enjoyed a warm and informative presentation. Many families took advantage of the opportunity to purchase Minh’s books and have them personally signed.

Our fourth and fifth grade library leaders were able to enjoy a special lunch with Minh, where they asked him questions about his life, his family, and his background. After lunch, they took him on a tour of their favourite places on campus. 

Minh’s enthusiasm for reading, writing and children’s literature was contagious, leaving a lasting impression on our students and staff. His visit generated a renewed excitement for reading and writing, inspiring our young readers and budding authors to explore the magic of storytelling. 

We are so grateful for Minh’s time and the positive impact he had on our school community.