Katherine is a passionate advocate for kindness, creativity, and the power of storytelling. With a heart dedicated to making a difference, she has harnessed her talent for writing to create a book that resonates deeply with readers of all ages.
Her journey as an author is unique and compelling. Her work is characterized by her heartfelt dedication to community and her desire to inspire positive change. She seamlessly weaves together narratives that are both impactful and resonant, making her stories not just a joy to read, but also a catalyst for reflection and growth.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Katherine’s approach is her commitment to involving children and teen consultants in the creation of her stories and artwork. By bringing young voices into the creative process, she ensures that her work is meaningful and enriched by diverse perspectives. This collaboration not only enhances the storytelling but also empowers the next generation to be part of a meaningful journey of creation.
I sat down with Katherine Cheng-Arif to talk about her new book Courage to be Kind
You are a successful author who received huge acclaim for your book Jade’s Food for Thought: Delicious Discoveries through Diversity, can you tell me more about your new book?
The idea for my new book, *Courage to be Kind*, came to me in a wonderfully unexpected way. I was reading *Jade’s Food for Thought* at Liestman Elementary when I noticed how intrigued the students were to meet their first book author and understand the book writing process. Their curiosity and enthusiasm sparked something in me, and I knew I wanted to involve them in a creative project.
Some of these incredible students even attended the book launch to experience the cultural food aspect and to learn about different cultures. Their excitement and engagement inspired me to collaborate with the school and its administration to provide a tailored experience for the kids. We started from blank pages, crafting characters, and brainstorming topics. To my surprise and delight, they chose to tackle the topic of anti-bullying.
What moved me most was their vision for the story. They wanted the hero not only to stand up to the bully but also to change the bully’s perspective and help them become a good person. The underlying themes of forgiveness and becoming a better person were central to their narrative.
Inspired by their creativity and insight, I spent weeks after school working with these amazing young minds to bring their vision to life. Their dedication and passion resulted in the book we now know as *Courage to be Kind*. This experience has shown me the incredible impact that young people can have when given the opportunity to be part of the creative process.
Who is your book aimed at?
The kids wanted this book for young kids like themselves to understand that being kind is more than just words.
How did you come up with the idea of the book and what research did you do?
It was the kids, they were the one that came up with the idea, storyline, even the characters names and looks. Truly I was just the one crafting book and getting them to all compromise on their decisions. As some were very attached to the characters and their parts in the book.
A study found that millions of children find it stressful going to school. The study found that children have a lot of worries about going to school which includes friendships, being bullied, and confidence in communicating with others. What should be done to help those young children to enjoy going to school?
First, we should build a strong sense of community in schools. This can be done by setting up buddy systems, where older students help younger ones, and by encouraging group activities that make everyone feel included.
To tackle bullying, schools must have clear anti-bullying rules and teach children about empathy and kindness. It’s important for students to feel safe and know that they can speak up if they or someone else is being bullied. If you look at the book Courage to be kind in the classroom there are respect charts that gives clear expectations of behavior and respect.
Boosting children’s confidence in communication is also key. Schools can offer programs like drama clubs and public speaking workshops to help kids express themselves. Safe spaces where they can share their feelings without fear are essential.
Teachers need to be trained to support students emotionally. Regular check-ins with students can help address their concerns. Involving parents by keeping them informed and offering them resources to help their children manage stress is also important.
By working together, we can create a school environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. This will help them develop a love for school and a sense of belonging.
Your book Courage to be Kind has been hailed as an important tool to help young children understand the difference between right or wrong and the power of kindness. How does it feel when parents tell you that your book has helped their children?
During the book launch, I had parents telling me how this book has created a big difference but showcasing how important it is not only to be kind but understanding. As the kid consultants went home, they were talking about the story and how they wanted certain characters that are like them to learn to apologize and learn for their behavior. So it was not just about standing up to bullies but knowing how to improve oneself to help each other and keep everyone safe and happy.
What would you like to see happen in schools to teach kindness, respect, and forgiveness?
In school we focus so much on Academics. But we forget that social skills are just as important. How we live as humans is the key to peace. The reason why I picked Liestman Elementary is because they do just that. They teach the kids about Grit, Perseverance, Respect, and determination, The principal makes it his mission to make not only smart kids but good kids in life. You can see that a person can make the difference during a child life by teaching, mentoring, and doing more than just shouting or ignoring.
You recently had your book launch which was attended by Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher who has given your book a glowing review, what has her endorsement meant to you?
Having Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher attend my book launch and give Courage to be Kind a glowing review has been incredibly humbling and inspiring. Her endorsement means the world to me, as it validates the hard work and passion that went into creating this book. Knowing that someone of her stature believes in the message of kindness and empathy fills me with immense pride and motivates me to continue making a positive impact through my writing.
The Be-Leafing Foundation’s book donation program provides libraries, schools, and individuals in need with access to educational materials, they have donated 700 books, would you like to see all schools around the USA donated books aimed at changing lives?
The Be-Leafing Foundation’s incredible donation of 700 books is a beautiful testament to the power of education and generosity. I would love to see all schools across the USA receive donated books aimed at changing lives, as it would provide countless children with the inspiration and knowledge they need to thrive. This kind of support can spark a lifelong love of learning and positively transform communities, one book at a time.
You have gained a reputation for writing books that aims to make the world a better place for children. There are so many important topics to cover, so what will your next book be on?
My next book is designed for teens who have lived through the pandemic or faced challenging times. Annie’s story, an interactive narrative, allows readers to shape her journey as she navigates a new school and makes friends. Through Annie, teens can reflect on their own experiences and find solace in knowing they are not alone. I chose this topic because it’s crucial to help young people process their emotions and growth from the pandemic, providing them with a tool to explore their resilience and personal development.
In all of my books, I aim to give real kids and teens a chance to share their stories. I want to empower them and help them make a meaningful impact on readers who face similar challenges. I am incredibly grateful to Annie for her bravery and willingness to share her story. Annie’s insight and resilience highlight the struggles her generation faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, offering hope and inspiration to others.
Annie Rhew, a 16-year-old high school sophomore from Portland, Oregon, was living a typical teenage life until Covid-19 hit and the country went into lockdown in March 2020. Her world turned upside down as she spent a year and a half of middle school online, feeling isolated from her friends and dealing with insecurity, anxiety, and depression. With constant support from her family and healthcare professionals, Annie found her inner strength and learned important coping skills. It was a tough journey, often filled with uncertainty about whether things would get better.
Through this book, Annie hopes to help other teens realize that they are perfect and special just as they are and that the process of discovering themselves can be beautiful. Now, Annie is a passionate and talented young woman. She plays the cello, practices taekwondo, and loves volunteering at a local hospital, nursing home, and elementary school. She dreams of becoming a healthcare professional to bring joy, passion, and gratitude to both children and the elderly. Annie’s story shows the strength and potential of her generation, and her contributions to this book are invaluable.
About the Beleafing Foundation
The Beleafing Foundation believes that access to books is a fundamental right that everyone should have. Its book donation program reaches low-income families, underfunded schools, and underserved communities, ensuring that educational materials are available to those who need them most. This program is made possible by the generosity of donors who share a passion for education and literacy.
About Katherine Cheng-Arif
Katherine Cheng-Arif is an author and passionate advocate for youth empowerment through literature. As a first-generation immigrant, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Policy and Management and an Associate degree in Sociology from the University of Southern California, completing both degrees by the age of 20. Recognized as a young entrepreneur in Newsweek and DBA Magazine, Katherine has authored four books, all available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kindle.
Katherine’s work is defined by her commitment to amplifying young voices, giving real kids and teens a platform to share their stories. Her latest project, “Courage to be Kind,” was developed in collaboration with 13 kid consultants from Liestman Elementary School and illustrated by a high school senior, exemplifying her dedication to involving young people in the creative process. Her contributions to community service and disaster relief highlight her commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
“Courage to be Kind” is now available for purchase on Amazon.
For more information about Katherine Cheng-Arif, please see https://kycabooks.com/. To learn more about the Be-Leafing Foundation, go to https://beleafingfoundation.com/.
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Website: https://kycabooks.com/