Yangsook Choi

Author and Illustrator; Multicultural Children's Literature

Yangsook speaks at schools, institutions, literary festivals, and conferences. She has made hundreds of appearances in sixteen countries around the world. Her presentations can be tailored to inspire audiences of all ages. She loves to fire up children’s imaginations and help them actively visualize to create their own authentic stories!

Past Speaking

Events

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institution, Asia Society, Dallas International Book Fair, Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival, Asian Festival of Children’s Content Singapore, Room to Read Cambodia, SCBWI Tokyo, Kappa Delta Pi, NPR San Francisco, TESOL Convention, Children's Museum of Manhattan, New York Public Library, Houston Public Library, International School of Amsterdam, Yokohama International School, Korea International School, American School of Guatemala, and various other institutions.


Programs

for K-5

Explores Global Storytelling outside the box & STEAM in the ELA Curriculum

In-Person Visit: $1400/day for two sessions, plus travel expenses if outside New York City

$2000/day for three sessions

$2500/day for four sessions 

Virtual Visit (40 min): $400

THE NAME JAR Presentation

takes the audience through the creative process of bookmaking with a focus on identity and self-acceptance. With an interactive story-building exercise, it emphasizes SEL through a character-driven story.

A LETTER TO MY BEST FRIEND Presentation

takes the audience through the creative process of bookmaking with a focus on how to write a letter with heart. It explores visual literacy through a step-by-step drawing activity, using alphabet letters. 

PEACH HEAVEN Presentation

takes the audience through the creative process of bookmaking with a focus on natural disaster recovery. It fosters a community effort and includes an interactive natural-disaster-recovery action game.

SLIPPERY, SPICY, TINGLY Presentation

takes the audience through the creative process of bookmaking with a focus on how to learn about culture and nature from mystery. It explores fermentation science with an interactive mystery-building & solving exercise.

YOUNG WRITERS Workshop

provides the practical grounding of the writing process from raw inspiration to finishing the first draft of a chapter book. Students will learn to create a story where a protagonist grows from the inside out as an overcomer.

YOUNG ARTISTS Workshop 

focuses on the art of visual storytelling. Students will learn to develop a theme in a story, organize their plot ideas in a sequence, and create a simple and strong storyboard that tells a story effectively.

NEVER-SEEN CHARACTER Workshop 

offers an easy-to-follow guide to the character-building process. Students will learn to sharpen their observational skills and rendering skills to create a unique and believable character for a story.


Testimonials

“None of the kids wanted to eat or go to recess after Yangsook’s presentation. They were all inspired and wanted to write.”

- Baker School, MA

“There were some very powerful moments when Yangsook connected and inspired our students. She knows exactly how to capture the attention of young people. Our students live in temporary housing and just keeping up in school is difficult for some of them.”

Afterschool Reading Club, NYC Department of Education

“Yangsook has a real knack for connecting with the students and inspiring them to be thoughtful writers. The children, parents and teachers really enjoyed her workshops and enthusiasm she has for both writing and art.”

- International School Eastern Seaboard, Thailand

“​Yangsook shares her journey, struggles, creativity, humor, and passion for art. She has such a positive attitude about her stories being rejected and how she kept moving forward​ which is really good for the students to see and hear!​​“ 

- Chadwick International School, Korea

"Yangsook was very entertaining, honest, and encouraging in terms of the life of an author and illustrator. I know everyone there enjoyed her presentation."

- Teacher Education Programs, Penn State Harrisburg, PA

“A remarkable drawing session with Yangsook. Her facilitation throughout the activity left our students with such an important message; each one of them is unique and special in their own way.  She brightened everyone’s day. “

- Start Lighthouse, a nonprofit organization advancing childhood literacy, NY

“You were a great hit, appreciated by all our students.”

- Edward Devotion School, MA

“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our class. We all loved you and laughed so much.” 

- Village Community School, NY

“Thank you so much for appearing at our store for a reading, chalk talk and book signing. Your warmth and charm captivated the crowd.”

- Barnes & Nobles, NY