Today, people in many Asian countries and around the world are celebrating the Lunar New Year and welcoming in the Year of the Tiger. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate, than to welcome author Songju Ma Daemicke and learn more about her recent picture book biography, TU YOUYOU’S DISCOVERY – FINDING A CURE FOR MALARIA, illustrated by Lin.
Songju has generously offered to give away one copy of TU YOUYOU’S DISCOVERY – FINDING A CURE FOR MALARIA, to one lucky winner. Comment on the blogpost to enter the giveaway! And don’t miss giveaways from Julie Danneberg and Lynne Marie!
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
This is the earliest photo of me. I was in the third grade. I lived in the small town of Jilin, China during the Cultural Revolution. At that time, China was a cultural desert. There wasn’t a single library in our town. All Western and Chinese traditional arts and literature were considered without virtue and were forbidden. People read Mao’s little red book at school and in their workplaces. I loved reading and read every single book I could get my hands on including Mao’s book, text books, even instruction books. I was starving for culture and knowledge. Every time I walk into the local library of my small town in Glenview, Illinois, and see its lines and lines of shelves full of beautiful books, I am amazed and delighted. I am profoundly thankful for the privilege of being able to access all these wonderful books! (Wow, I can’t imagine growing up without a great library. I used to live near Glenview and they have a gorgeous library. So many in that suburban system where I grew up and raised 3 children who also loved the library!)
What inspires you?
I draw my inspiration from many sources:
My first book, A Case of SENSE, was triggered by the sign “Free Smells” I saw on the window of a restaurant.
CAO CHONG WEIGHS AN ELEPHANT was inspired from one of my daughters’ violin concerts, a famously clever composition by Mozart, a child musical genius. This inspired me to tell the story of our most famous Chinese child prodigy, Cao Chong.
My inspiration to write my last book, TU YOUYOU’S DISCOVERY – FINDING A CURE FOR MALARIA, was from a TV show. In beginning of 2019, I watched a BBC program called Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century. Tu Youyou, a Nobel prize winning woman scientist, was one of four candidates in the science category. As a Chinese American, I had to share her remarkable journey.
What’s something you hope readers will take away from your books?
My newest book, TU YOUYOU’S DISCOVERY – FINDING A CURE FOR MALARIA, is a biography of the first Chinese woman Nobel laureate. Tu Youyou used her background in traditional Chinese medicine to develop a new medicine, saving millions of lives.
All my books are Own Voice STEAM themed stories. Tu Youyou is a great role model whose story will hopefully empower young readers, especially girls, to pursue a STEAM field career. The fields of science and engineering are not for boys only. We need more women scientists and engineers.
My message to readers: Dream big, work hard, think creatively, and you will make a difference in this world.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on a few manuscripts that celebrate Chinese culture or are STEAM related. I hope they all will become books one day.
Readers can learn more about Songju and her books at:
Website: https://songjumadaemicke.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SongjuDaemicke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/songjudaemicke/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/songju.daemicke
Laura Roettiger Books 
It is interesting learning where you got inspiration for your stories and how each one celebrates your cultural. Congratulations
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Thank you for stopping by the blog and sharing your good wishes for Songju!
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Thank you for reading it and glad you enjoyed it.
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Congrats. Songju!
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Hi Eleanor, thank you for reading! Very inspiring interview. I think you’re not in the US and this is a US only giveaway, but the one from Lynne Marie is international if you’re interested.
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I replied, not for the prize but because I know Songju. We swapped MSs last year. Thanks.
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That’s wonderful, Eleanor! I’m sure it was enlightening!
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Thank you, Eleanor! Happy Year of the tiger!
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Songju, thank you so much for being on the blog and sharing your inspiring story.
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I love your wonderful blog. Thank you so much for featuring me! Happy Lunar Year!!
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Thank you for your fascinating books and interview! Next time I visit Chicago, I hope we get to meet in person.
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I really enjoy reading nonfiction picture books that feature people, especially women, who are new to me as important figures. Congratulations on your books!
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Danielle, thank you for reading. Yes, it’s so wonderful to learn about inspiring women in history that aren’t as well known. I’ve had a chance to read the book and it’s wonderful! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you, Danielle. Appreciate your comment. Happy Lunar Year!!
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I’ve read your book and think it’s awesome! My mom is a physician and graduated from medical school during a time when there were few female physicians. I love reading about pioneering women in STEM!
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Lillie, thank you for reading and sharing about your mom. How proud you must be! And yes, Songju’s book is truly inspiring. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Awesome. Your mom is a pioneering woman as well! Thank your mom. She has made a difference just like Tu Youyou.
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I actually have never been to a library in Hong Kong until I discovered the one at my junior high after moving to the states so I share your excitement for the local library!
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Thank you for reading and sharing your connection. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Yes. Libraries are a treasure where ever they can be found. I love the smell of the books in libraries. So comforting and stimulating!
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Love the story idea! There are so many ppl who have contributed to the benefit of the world but our knowledge of these ppl is so limited!
Would love to read this book!
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It really is fun to discover unsung heroes in picture books because they’re packed with information that’s accessible to anyone. Good luck in the giveaway.
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So true! Hope you have a chance to read it. Good luck with the giveaway.
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I love hearing about how and where authors get their inspiration. Songju, I have read your latest book and think it’s wonderful. I’m an elementary school teacher, and we have a copy of Tu Youyou’s Discovery in our school library. My mother, who is in her 80’s, is a physician and became a doctor during a time when not many women pursued the field of medicine. I am grateful for more representation of Asian and Asian American heroes in picture books, especially women in STEAM.
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Lillie,thanks for sharing! Are you in the United States? The giveaway is US only, and I am happy to put you in the drawing because I’m sure your school wouldn’t mind having more than one copy. Please let me know.
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Hi. Laura! Yes, I am in Los Angeles, California. I apologize for commenting twice. I didn’t realize that the comment takes awhile to post.
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No need to apologize! I’m always happy when people visit the blog. I think when someone comments for the first time, it needs to be approved before it will be visible. I’m sure this is for spam control. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Congratulations, Songju, on bringing these beautiful books to the world! I look forward to seeing more your books in the world. 🙂
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Shaunda, thanks for reading. I agree 💯 so impressed with these books and looking forward to more books from Songju! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you, Shaunda. I am looking forward to reading more of your books as well! Wishing you a creative and successful Year of the Tiger!
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