Alumni Book Nook: Dr. Emma Chen (MEd’19, GTPC’22, PhD’24)
Dr. Emma Chen’s first children’s book, Molly Misses Nainai, was shortlisted for two Saskatchewan Book Awards
University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Dr. Emma Chen 陈星 (MEd’19, GTPC’22, PhD’24) received her PhD in curriculum studies during USask’s 2024 Spring Convocation in June. A scholar, educator, and author, Chen was born and raised in a small city in Inner Mongolia, Mainland China, and came to USask after studying at Beijing Language and Culture University. Before beginning her PhD studies, she earned her Master of Education degree in educational administration at USask in 2019, followed by her Graduate Teaching Preparation Certificate in 2022.
Chen now lives in Surrey, B.C. In July 2023, she joined Western Washington University, where she currently serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary and Multilingual Education. Earlier this year, her first children’s book, Molly Misses Nainai, was shortlisted for two Saskatchewan Book Awards. The book was released in November 2023 by Red Deer Press.
What is the focus of your book, Molly Misses Nainai?
Molly and Nainai have never been apart, but now Molly’s grandmother must return to China because her visa is up. After trying to walk to the airport herself, and sending hearts through the mail, Molly video chats with Nainai, but things just are not the same between them. It feels strange to see Nainai on the tablet; Nainai looks small and sounds so far away. Molly misses her grandmother very much, and the space between them seems immense until a familiar lullaby, shared through screen time, brings them together again. This is a poignant family story about immigration, grandparent-grandchild connections, multiculturalism, and the ties that bind.
What inspired you to write this book?
The story was based on my daughter’s real-life experience with her grandmother.
Did your education at USask play a role in researching and/or writing this book?
Definitely. My first course in graduate school was children’s literature and that planted a tiny seed in my heart for the love of picture books. The professor in that course was also the editor of this book, Dr. Bev Brenna (BEd’84, MEd’91, BA’02, PhD).
What are five adjectives that you would use to describe your book?
Poignant, heartwarming, transnational, multicultural, and intergenerational.
Why would you recommend your book to USask alumni?
This book is a mirror to those who share the similar immigration experience and a window to those who want to learn from transnational families.