Kara Eng - Author

2025 ~ a year of reflection

“Raise your hand if you’ve failed before!”

*almost* Every student’s hand shot up.

“And that,” I said, “is how you turn your failure into a story!”

What an eager and excitement-filled school of students at STEM Magnet Academy! I loved hearing the unique ideas and contributions from each student who shared. Whether it was about overcoming a failure and turning it into an accomplishment, or proudly sharing about their favorite cultural foods, I was honored with this opportunity to connect with the young students so that they may feel empowered to share their stories and voices with others in the here and now!

What a RUN!! 🏃🏻‍♀️⭐️

A HUGE thank you to Allison and Read & Run Chicago for the incredible opportunity to lead the Chinatown Fun Run in May for AANHPI Month!

It was such a meaningful experience to not only run through the bustling streets of Chinatown, but also share about my family’s deep historical roots and explore the cultural landmarks featured in my book “Not Just a Simple Chinese Girl.”

And what better way than to celebrate with the most delectable complimentary pastries from Paris Baguette!🥐

A big shoutout to our partner Family Style RC and amazing volunteers for ensuring that our tour was smooth sailing — we couldn't have done it without everyone's help!

Grateful for every step, every story, and every bite!! 👟📖🧧

“I like this candy!”

“Can you show it again?”

“Mr. Sour’s the bad guy!”

Thank you Montessori Gifted Prep for the warm invitation to read Sweet ’n’ Sour to your young students! It was such a joy to see those inquisitive and bright-eyed faces light up the room. Their questions, excitement, and laughter truly brought a big smile to my face as well.

May their love for candy and wild imagination spur them on to spread such kindness and love of sweet adventures with others!!

If you'd like to support a young author, check out my book at the link in bio...

👟✨ Celebrate AAPIH Month with stories, sweat, and sweet treats with me on a run! 👟✨

Join Read & Run Chicago on✨Saturday, May 17✨as I lead a 3-mile Chinatown Fun Run that will explore locations mentioned in my book "Not Just a Simple Chinese Girl". There will be a post-run hangout at the stunning Chinatown Branch of the Chicago Public Library!

We'll jog through culture, community, and the literary inspirations of my family history and neighborhood!

📍 Start/End at the Chinatown Branch of the Chicago Public Library
📖 End with a free author meet-and-greet & book sales
🎟️ Tickets on sale now: https://www.readandrunchicago.com/events/chinatownfunrun

Easter is just around the corner!!

Sweet ’N’ Sour is the perfect addition to put in your Easter basket, as it shares the enduring love of God in the midst of trials!

Get your signed copy today, just in time for the perfect Easter gift!! https://a.co/d/5W4X5l7

✨🎙️Exciting News!!🎙️✨

I had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Jed Doherty on the Reading With Your Kids Podcast! We talked about the importance of empowering young readers to take pride in their cultural backgrounds and use their creativity to overcome challenges. Whether you're parent, educator, or book lover, you'll enjoy this must-listen episode! 📚✨

Go check it out the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HweKDvt3BkGyTb384N9TS?si=fc2808dad9ee446f

Tackling Childhood Poverty with Books and Advocacy Reading With Your Kids Podcast · Episode

Support a local artist!!

My illustrator, Shirley Li (Shirley Li Art and Pet Portraits), who illustrated my book cover for "Not Just a Simple Chinese Girl," carefully curates beautiful stickers ranging from intricate flower designs to Chinese zodiac animals! Go check out her work!

Hi everyone! I just bought a Cricut on Black Friday and now I'm officially able to make stickers for my art! It's so satisfying to hear the machine cutting away the stickers...😊
I am launching my floral series first, then my Zodiac animals. These stickers are now available to be shipped to you via USPS. Here is the Yellow Sunflower one, I will be updating as more stickers are made. They are perfect to put on laptops, notebooks, journals and more!
3x3 are $4 each, and 2x2 are $3 each. Free shipping!
If you're interested, please PM me! Feel free to share to friends!

I was so touched to run into a very excited "Sweet 'n' Sour" fan the other day! His mom added with amusement that he reads the book every day and has been wanting to add soy sauce to everything!

How heartwarming to see the book bringing so much joy, laughter, and wonder to young fans like him!

(Support a young author and add "Sweet 'n' Sour" to your home library collection just in time for Christmas! The book can be found online on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, local Chicago book stores, and other major retailers)

Look at this happy reader! She memorized her favorite parts of the book!

She’s not the only child to enjoy the book!

What better way than to gift a child with a book that he/she will love at Christmas time or anytime. It’s a fun, faith-based book! You can find the book here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hHosrjw

Would you help me reach my goal of selling 200 books by Christmas?

What a unique experience participating in Read and Run today! Our activities ranged from tasting kafka at a local Palestinian bakery to participating in a Q&A session with the author Sahar Mustafah!

I look forward to leading the run this May for AAPI month!

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