Our recent zine release and author celebration, hosted by Programs Director Alexa Patrick and Story Coach Sarah Jung, was a fun and moving event held at the Apple Carnegie Library. The room was full of excitement and pride as these talented youth authors shared their powerful visual stories and signed copies of their newly launched zine.

During the summer of 2023, ten young people from AALEAD came together to create a zine centering Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) stories. In collaboration with Shout Mouse Press story coaches and professional comics artists, they drew and wrote comics about AAPI identities in diverse, authentic, accessible ways that affirm other AAPI young people, increase understanding, and foster an inclusive next generation. 

Some told true life stories and others created fantastical tales, all grappling with—and celebrating—their multifaceted identities. All learned exciting new narrative, art, and technical skills, utilizing technology provided by Apple. These youth artists put their own hearts on the page, drawing comics they hoped would inspire their readers to embrace who they are and to value the unique stories each one of us has to tell.  

This project represents a collaboration between Shout Mouse Press and AALEAD. At Shout Mouse Press, we invite young people to write diverse and inclusive stories inspired by their own lived experiences. We believe that all young people should be able to see themselves in the stories they read, and that all young people benefit from reading diverse perspectives on our shared world.  AALEAD supports low-income and underserved Asian Pacific American youth with educational empowerment, identity development, and leadership opportunities through after school, summer, and mentoring programs. 

Shout Mouse Press authors love to speak about their books and meet their readers. Hear about their writing process, motivation for sharing their story, and what they hope readers will learn from their work. Authors talks are a great way for young people to get inspired to write and share their own stories. Fill out our form and we’ll get back to you soon!