An Evening with Poet and Children’s Book Author Bao Phi

Touching on refugee status, class, and race, Bao Phi discusses becoming a writer, poet, and, later in life, a father and author of children’s literature. He will also share excerpts and images from his award-winning children’s books.

Born in Vietnam, raised in the Phillips neighborhood of South Minneapolis, Bao Phi is a Vietnamese American Minnesotan and a long time spoken word artist. A poet, he has two collections published, Song I Sing and Thousand Star Hotel, both by Coffeehouse Press. As a children’s book author, he has written four children’s books: A Different Pond, My Footprints, Hello Mandarin Duck, and the upcoming You Are Life, all published by Capstone. His children’s books have accumulated numerous accolades including a Caldecott Honor, Ezra Jack Keats Award, Charlotte Zolotow Medal for Outstanding Writing, and places on numerous Best Books lists. He is the Loft’s Director of Events and Awards, a community member, a refugee, and a father.

Presented by the Syracuse University School of Education’s Landscape of Urban Education Lecture Series. Co-sponsored by the Center on Disability and Inclusion, the Harry S. and Elva K. Ganders Memorial Fund Lecture, and the Syracuse University Humanities Center.

A selection of Bao’s books is available for purchase through the Syracuse University Campus Store.