By Kannan Cangro, School Librarian, Clermont Elementary School, Alexandria, VA (FCPS)
On September 17, 2025, we were honored to welcome Karina Yan Glaser to Clermont Elementary for an unforgettable author visit sponsored by Old Town Books. She met with students in grades 3 through 6, and her warmth and humor immediately connected with our readers.
Clermont Elementary, located in Alexandria, Virginia, serves approximately 560 students in grades K through 6. Our school district is richly diverse, and we are proud that all students study Chinese Mandarin at Clermont as a world language as part of their specials rotation. This commitment to global learning and cultural understanding makes author visits that highlight diverse voices especially meaningful for our students.
This visit was especially meaningful to me. Karina Yan Glaser is the first Asian American author I have hosted at Clermont Elementary as the school librarian, and that milestone made the day even more significant. Seeing our students engage with an acclaimed Asian American author and hearing her speak about her experiences was powerful and affirming for our school community, particularly given our schoolwide commitment to Mandarin language study through our district’s Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools (FLES) program.
During her presentations, Karina shared stories about her pets, which was a delightful highlight for our students. She also spoke about her writing process and even revealed her favorite writing snack. She discussed how ideas develop into stories, the importance of revision, and the persistence required to become a writer. Students were fascinated to learn about the research and imagination behind her latest novel, and they asked thoughtful and enthusiastic questions during the Q and A session.
Karina focused on her novel The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli, a middle grade story that follows two young protagonists living more than a thousand years apart. Through alternating perspectives, the novel offers readers a rich connection to Chinese history and culture.
Since its publication, The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli has received multiple starred reviews and has been widely recognized for its literary excellence. Most notably, the novel received a Newbery Honor. The book has also appeared on several Best Books of the Year lists and has been praised for its richly drawn historical settings, compelling characters, and celebration of cultural heritage.
Karina’s visit inspired our students not only to read more deeply but also to see themselves as storytellers. I am deeply grateful to Old Town Books for sponsoring this meaningful experience and helping us bring such an important literary voice to our school community.
