Folk Literature, Anxiety, and Empowering Friendships -- Exploring Kaya of the Ocean with Gloria L. Huang

Episode Overview:One of the things I love about the work I do is discovering new authors to share with you. This week, we are joined by debut author Gloria L. Huang to discuss her novel Kaya of the Ocean. Set against the scenic backdrop of Hawaii, Gloria's book intertwines themes of folk literature, family challenges, and the struggles of finding self-acceptance while battling anxiety. And she does it with humor and grace, giving us a book that is full of adventure and humor, as well as nuanced characters struggling with anxiety, self-acceptance, and the worries of middle graders.Chapter Highlights:0:01:03: Kaya of the Ocean: Gloria introduces her middle grade novel. We explore its rich themes, including anxiety, family expectations, and folk literature. She shares her inspiration drawn from personal experiences and the effects of the pandemic on children, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and normalizing conversations about anxiety in middle-grade literature.0:08:54: Kaya's Mythological Inspirations and that gorgeous Hawaii Setting Go behind the scenes of Gloria's creative process as we discuss the parallels between Kaya's story and the history of the Chinese water goddess, Mazu. Gloria highlights the significance of friendships over romantic interests and explains why Hawaii was the perfect setting to reflect Kaya's personal evolution and fears.(0:19:42) - Literary Inspirations and Hope in Writing Gloria shares her literary influences, from childhood favorites like Avi's The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle to contemporary authors such as Tae Keller (When You Trap a Tiger). She offers advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing perseverance, and hints at exciting future projects.(0:26:22) - Family Support in PublishingGloria reflects on the invaluable support from her daughter, who served as a critical early reader. Resources and Links:Order Kaya of the OceanFollow Gloria L. Huang on Instagram @lailaswritesVisit Gloria's webpage.Support the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.