Iu Mien Authors Book Fair

The Iu Mien Authors Book Fair was inspired by a moment of reflection and an opportunity to increase the visibility of Iu Mien stories.

While attending an AANHPI event, Iu Mien Community Services Executive Director Susan Saechao saw many wonderful children’s books representing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. However, she noticed that books written by Iu Mien authors were missing from the showcase. This raised an important question: Where are our Iu Mien stories, and how can we make them more visible and accessible to our community?

When a local Iu Mien author later asked whether IMCS would consider hosting a book fair, Susan saw an opportunity to shine a light on Iu Mien authors and the stories they have worked so hard to share.

The Iu Mien Authors Book Fair will bring authors, families, and community members together to celebrate Iu Mien literature, culture, and creativity. Guests can meet local authors, explore culturally meaningful.

The event will be open to the public and community, and we welcome community members of all ages. books, participate in an author forum, and enjoy a community meal. Children will also have an opportunity to receive a free book while supplies last.

The Iu Mien Authors Book Fair will feature writers whose work preserves Iu Mien history, language, culture, identity, and lived experiences.

Jeff Thungc is the author of Love In Wonderland, a lyrical and deeply moving memoir about survival and identity.  Born in Laos during the CIA's Secret War, Jeff fled through five refugee camps as a child before resettling in the United States.  After spending two decades in public service, he now leads JLT Web Design & Digital Marketing and the Mien International Enrichment Network, where he champions Iu Mien literacy and culture.  He wrote his memoir to preserve this legacy for the next generation and share the Iu Mien experience with the wider world.

David Saechao has lifelong passion for writing, education, and preserving Iu Mien history and culture.  His published works include the children's books The Legend of the Dog Warrior and King Pan and the Golden Dragon; the nonfiction book from Mountains to Skyscrapers: The Journey of the Iu Mien; and his most recent historical novel, Stars Over the Mekong.  David has also spent more than two decades helping students of all ages learn and succeed.  He holds a bachelor's degree in History and a master's degree in Education and currently resides in Northern California.

Koy Saechao is an Iu Mien American children's author and mother of three.  She is the author of Count Yietc to Ziepc in Mien with Me! and Color in Mien with Me!  Her books were created to celebrate and preserve the Iu Mien language and culture while helping families pass them on to future generations.

Theresa Saechao Rother is a children's author based in Sacramento, California.  Inspired by her Iu Mien heritage and family traditions, she writes stories that celebrate imagination, diversity, and meaningful connections.

The book Fair will bring authors, families, and community members together to celebrate Iu Mien literature, culture, and creativity.  Guests will have an opportunity to meet the authors, discover culturally meaningful books, participate in author forum, and enjoy a community meal.  Children will also have an opportunity to receive a free book while supplies last.

This event is more than a book fair—it is an opportunity to uplift Iu Mien voices help families discover books that reflect their culture, and inspire the next generation of Iu Mien readers, writers, and storytellers