Public Speaking
Keynote Addresses & Seminars
"I had the distinct pleasure of working with Ying during our September 2023 fiction workshop in Paris, France. From the outset, it was evident that Ying possesses a profound understanding of the craft of storytelling and an unparalleled ability to impart that knowledge. Over the week, she expertly guided our students through an immersive journey into the world of fiction, blending rigorous instruction with inspiration and hands-on experience. Ying's teaching style is captivating and empowering, ensuring that each participant feels challenged and supported. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our students serves as a testament to Ying's expertise and dedication as an instructor. I wholeheartedly endorse Ying Compestine for any educational or literary endeavor, confident in her ability to bring excellence to any room she enters."
-Blake Kimzey, Writing Workshops
“Strong, eloquent and touching. Ying has a way with words both vocally and in writing. She is an inspiration to writers around the world.”
– Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC)
“Ying gave all of our dreams and expectations wings with wonderfully wise and wily advice. We all took notes whilst cheering her ingenuity. This Mama Goose is still giddy from Ying Chang Compestine’s keynote address at Book Passage’ Children’s Writers & Illustrators Conference last weekend. Wisdom and wit – Ying, you are a wonder!”
— Pamela Livingston, the organizer of Book Passage,
Children’s Writers and Illustrators Conference, Corte Madera CA
“Ying is a breath of fresh air!! Her secret recipe for inspiring, crowd pleasing events consists of contagious enthusiasm for healthy living and motivational and empowering encouragement to follow one’s dreams. As a coordinator and a liaison for many community events for Whole Foods Market, collaborating with Ying to inspire and educate was not only easy but so much fun! Ying’s can do attitude and relentless determination to succeed is a recipe I look forward to creating over and over again.”
— Jane Shafer, Marketing Team Leader, Whole Foods Market
“I hired Ying Chang Compestine to serve as the UC Davis School of Education’s children’s literature lecturer for our annual Words Take Wing event. Ying eagerly and expertly handled a live radio interview to promote her work and the event. She visited the UC Davis Children’s Hospital and was personable and patient with the ill children who gathered to meet her. The following day, she addressed 650 children and teachers (3rd – 6th grade) in a presentation that was both informative and entertaining, and included a live dumpling-making demonstration with children from the audience. In the evening on the same day, she presented a highly engaging lecture to a smaller group of educators and literature lovers. She was extremely well-prepared and a delight to work with. I highly recommend Ying for just about any public speaking, cooking demonstration or reading engagement.”
— Donna Justice, Director of Marketing and Communications, UC Davis School of Education
“I’ve known Ying Compestine for a few years now, all because of her early book, Revolution is Not a Dinner Party. What a great historical, easy-read look at the occurrences preceding China’s rise today as a world power. I’ve had the pleasure of participating in one of her quasi-Iron Chef dinners in a private home where guests buy, chop and consume a sumptious…and always healthy!…feast. Who knew green tea ice cream was so tasty?! She’s a terrific speaker on everything from her personal story to cooking demonstrations.”
— Kathy Merchant, Executive Director Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation
“Ying, we had a great time getting to know more about the many sides of you (author, mom, wife, motivational speaker)! Your zest for healthy living is evident and infectious :-) And your ability to keep us (ALL of us) on track Friday night was impressive, otherwise we’d still have you here with us, chatting away as we talked about food, family and fun.”
— Diane Archer, Keynote attendee
“Ying was a tremendous resource on all aspects of the professional writing experience…She was a thoughtful editor, an engaging group leader, and an attentive mentor…Ying is also simply delightful company, ready and able to engage audiences large or small in just the ways that they need to be engaged, deftly encouraging growth and engagement in a powerfully natural fashion.”
-J. Eric Smith, Writing Workshops, Hawaii retreat, Student
“Thank you so very much for putting on that workshop, it was not only amazing to get first-hand tips, but completely invaluable. Your guidance has completely revolutionized how I put a story together so that I keep the agents and publishers in mind to keep life easier for them, and also for the reader in how I construct my paragraphs and chapters. I’ve even taken the hook that I wrote in your class and started a book with it! I laid out the chapters first, as if I were going to present it to a publisher, and it has made the writing process a lot more productive than just going with the flow.”
— Quinn Whittaker, Book Passage Workshop Student
“Your approval and help with my writing journey has meant more to me than you will ever know.”
— Laurie Souza, Workshop Student
“I appreciated your interest in what each of us sought to learn from the workshop and your clear effort to incorporate our personal goals into the program. Most importantly, I found your confidence and ambition infectious. [You] encouraged me to really go after the big agents and publishers and to believe in my product. For that, I can’t thank you enough.”
— Maura Weiler, Workshop Student
“Something that helped me specifically was your discussion about how you focus your time and energy so the writing becomes a flow instead of a struggle. I believe your workshop has helped me focus my thoughts about writing children’s books so that I can translate some of my ideas into marketable stories. I also enjoyed hearing how your dreams as a child and experiences as a parent have become imbued within your stories.
— Cheryl A. Charis-Graves, Workshop Student
“I gained more practical knowledge about publishing today than in four years of undergrad studies in creative writing.”
— Student on Course Evaluation
“Ying, thank you very much for the workshop. It really was one of the best ones I’ve taken.”
— Cheryl, Workshop Student
“Thank you for an inspiring workshop! I came in with no knowledge of writing for the children’s market and in eight short hours, you gave me enough writing technique and marketing information to feel like I can get started with confidence.”
— Shelly, Workshop Student
“… you really covered the basics of children’s book publishing and encouraged the group to write from inner interest.”
— Elaine, Workshop Student
“Thank you for being so diligent, so focused and so professional in your approach to the class. I found the whole experience exceeded my most optimistic expectations.”
— Workshop Student
"I admire your attitude toward your writing career very much. It’s inspiring."
— Leslie, Kauai Writers Conference Student
"Your confidence is awesome! Way to go, Ying. Shay-shay nee! Wonderful! You are truly an inspiration who is living your dream. Thank you so much!"
— Bev, Kauai Writers Conference Student
"You are an inspiration. You have answered questions, I didn’t even know I had. Thank you, so much."
— Felicia, Kauai Writers Conference Student
"You are an inspiration and great example of intending your life and making it happen. Bravo and thank you for your generosity in sharing with us."
— Paulina, Kauai Writers Conference Student
-Blake Kimzey, Writing Workshops
“Strong, eloquent and touching. Ying has a way with words both vocally and in writing. She is an inspiration to writers around the world.”
– Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC)
“Ying gave all of our dreams and expectations wings with wonderfully wise and wily advice. We all took notes whilst cheering her ingenuity. This Mama Goose is still giddy from Ying Chang Compestine’s keynote address at Book Passage’ Children’s Writers & Illustrators Conference last weekend. Wisdom and wit – Ying, you are a wonder!”
— Pamela Livingston, the organizer of Book Passage,
Children’s Writers and Illustrators Conference, Corte Madera CA
“Ying is a breath of fresh air!! Her secret recipe for inspiring, crowd pleasing events consists of contagious enthusiasm for healthy living and motivational and empowering encouragement to follow one’s dreams. As a coordinator and a liaison for many community events for Whole Foods Market, collaborating with Ying to inspire and educate was not only easy but so much fun! Ying’s can do attitude and relentless determination to succeed is a recipe I look forward to creating over and over again.”
— Jane Shafer, Marketing Team Leader, Whole Foods Market
“I hired Ying Chang Compestine to serve as the UC Davis School of Education’s children’s literature lecturer for our annual Words Take Wing event. Ying eagerly and expertly handled a live radio interview to promote her work and the event. She visited the UC Davis Children’s Hospital and was personable and patient with the ill children who gathered to meet her. The following day, she addressed 650 children and teachers (3rd – 6th grade) in a presentation that was both informative and entertaining, and included a live dumpling-making demonstration with children from the audience. In the evening on the same day, she presented a highly engaging lecture to a smaller group of educators and literature lovers. She was extremely well-prepared and a delight to work with. I highly recommend Ying for just about any public speaking, cooking demonstration or reading engagement.”
— Donna Justice, Director of Marketing and Communications, UC Davis School of Education
“I’ve known Ying Compestine for a few years now, all because of her early book, Revolution is Not a Dinner Party. What a great historical, easy-read look at the occurrences preceding China’s rise today as a world power. I’ve had the pleasure of participating in one of her quasi-Iron Chef dinners in a private home where guests buy, chop and consume a sumptious…and always healthy!…feast. Who knew green tea ice cream was so tasty?! She’s a terrific speaker on everything from her personal story to cooking demonstrations.”
— Kathy Merchant, Executive Director Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation
“Ying, we had a great time getting to know more about the many sides of you (author, mom, wife, motivational speaker)! Your zest for healthy living is evident and infectious :-) And your ability to keep us (ALL of us) on track Friday night was impressive, otherwise we’d still have you here with us, chatting away as we talked about food, family and fun.”
— Diane Archer, Keynote attendee
“Ying was a tremendous resource on all aspects of the professional writing experience…She was a thoughtful editor, an engaging group leader, and an attentive mentor…Ying is also simply delightful company, ready and able to engage audiences large or small in just the ways that they need to be engaged, deftly encouraging growth and engagement in a powerfully natural fashion.”
-J. Eric Smith, Writing Workshops, Hawaii retreat, Student
“Thank you so very much for putting on that workshop, it was not only amazing to get first-hand tips, but completely invaluable. Your guidance has completely revolutionized how I put a story together so that I keep the agents and publishers in mind to keep life easier for them, and also for the reader in how I construct my paragraphs and chapters. I’ve even taken the hook that I wrote in your class and started a book with it! I laid out the chapters first, as if I were going to present it to a publisher, and it has made the writing process a lot more productive than just going with the flow.”
— Quinn Whittaker, Book Passage Workshop Student
“Your approval and help with my writing journey has meant more to me than you will ever know.”
— Laurie Souza, Workshop Student
“I appreciated your interest in what each of us sought to learn from the workshop and your clear effort to incorporate our personal goals into the program. Most importantly, I found your confidence and ambition infectious. [You] encouraged me to really go after the big agents and publishers and to believe in my product. For that, I can’t thank you enough.”
— Maura Weiler, Workshop Student
“Something that helped me specifically was your discussion about how you focus your time and energy so the writing becomes a flow instead of a struggle. I believe your workshop has helped me focus my thoughts about writing children’s books so that I can translate some of my ideas into marketable stories. I also enjoyed hearing how your dreams as a child and experiences as a parent have become imbued within your stories.
— Cheryl A. Charis-Graves, Workshop Student
“I gained more practical knowledge about publishing today than in four years of undergrad studies in creative writing.”
— Student on Course Evaluation
“Ying, thank you very much for the workshop. It really was one of the best ones I’ve taken.”
— Cheryl, Workshop Student
“Thank you for an inspiring workshop! I came in with no knowledge of writing for the children’s market and in eight short hours, you gave me enough writing technique and marketing information to feel like I can get started with confidence.”
— Shelly, Workshop Student
“… you really covered the basics of children’s book publishing and encouraged the group to write from inner interest.”
— Elaine, Workshop Student
“Thank you for being so diligent, so focused and so professional in your approach to the class. I found the whole experience exceeded my most optimistic expectations.”
— Workshop Student
"I admire your attitude toward your writing career very much. It’s inspiring."
— Leslie, Kauai Writers Conference Student
"Your confidence is awesome! Way to go, Ying. Shay-shay nee! Wonderful! You are truly an inspiration who is living your dream. Thank you so much!"
— Bev, Kauai Writers Conference Student
"You are an inspiration. You have answered questions, I didn’t even know I had. Thank you, so much."
— Felicia, Kauai Writers Conference Student
"You are an inspiration and great example of intending your life and making it happen. Bravo and thank you for your generosity in sharing with us."
— Paulina, Kauai Writers Conference Student
School Visits
"Ying’s presentation sparked creativity in our students. She is truly an inspiration to young readers and writers. I would recommend her to any school looking to engage their students in a real-world, literary experience."
-Karen Hayes, Director of Advancement, Escuela Bilingüe Internacional
"Ying Chang Compestine is such an inspiration, writing truths from the heart in the hopes that others' heads will follow. It was wonderful to welcome her back as she was one of our first author visits on this campus."
-Virginia Hunt, PS Principal, Hong Kong Academy
“During the month of January, we had Ying Chang Compestine visit our Middle School. The focus of her visit was to work with 6th graders who were reading various Historical Fiction novels and about to write HF picture book stories. I had communicated with her ahead of time our goals for her visit and writing goals as well as how the schedule might look like. Ying was a wonderful inspiration for our students, firstly because most kids had read her novel Revolution is not a Dinner party during our Battle of the Books event but mostly because she provided excellent advice and tips during her presentations. I used her writing expertise and advise to build mini-lessons around that and create charts kids are now actively using during the writing process.
Ying also spoke to the 8th-grade class about her experience during the Chinese Cultural Revolution (to support their Social Studies inquiry into the concept of Revolution) and presented her picture books to Elementary school students. Additionally, she had a small presentation for parents about healthy eating and presenting her cooking books. The signing of her books was another highlight during her 4-day visit.
Ying is a very experienced presenter and students have really enjoyed their interactions with her.
Lastly, Ying is a wonderful guest speaker for any school; she embraces learning about the culture of the country, the food, and the people. We had a lot of fun hosting her and I would recommend her in a heartbeat to any of the schools close to my heart, such as AISJ.”
- Marisa Seco-Medina, Language Arts Teacher, Cairo American College
“Year 8 students at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong received a crash course in novel writing, thanks to Ying Chang Compestine’s recent visit to our school. Using metaphors and anecdotes from her personal life, she painted a realistic picture of what a career as a published author can entail. Here’s hoping her words inspire the young writers in our midst to keep working towards their goals!”
– Lauren Bull, Senior School Librarian, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
“The time Ms. Compestine spent at our college was an exciting learning opportunity for students and staff alike. A lucky group of Chinese Native Language (CNL) also got to join Ms. Compestine in the villa for some Mandarin led baking.”
– Andy Mcilwain, Head of Libraries, Dulwich Shanghai College Pudong
“Ying Chang Compestine is a dynamic and inspiring speaker. Ying is particularly gifted in speaking to upper elementary as well as high school students and her life story is well worth hearing. Our younger students really enjoy Ying’s Chinese flavored picture books and being an international school in Taiwan, they could relate to the content. Look no further for picture books that make the Chinese traditions come alive! Ying’s tips on how to be better writers together with her personal anecdotes relating to growing up during the Cultural Revolution stimulated further discussion in the middle and high school LA classrooms.”
– Megan Noble, EMS librarian, Morrison Academy, Taiwan
“I liked how encouraging she was to the students and how she made them feel like they’ve already got a great start towards their writing careers. She made them feel smart and capable.”
– Scott Pagel, EMS librarian, Morrison Academy, Taichung
“This October we were so excited to have Ms. Ying Compestine to visit our children aged from 5-10. She held five amazing sessions that were filled with rich Chinese culture, book talks, and fun, engaging activities. It was such an incredible experience for our students to learn about how her books were created from getting inspirations to how she worked with publishers. What’s more, for our children who are on the Chinese immersion track, it was also a valuable experience to hear her presentation in Mandarin!”
– Wei Zhang, ELC and LD Chinese Librarian, Avenues: The World School
“Ying took German Swiss International School (Primary) by storm. She is the whole package from K-12 and has written humorous picture books, nail biting novels, and mouth-watering cook books. Ying specializes in giving cooking classes! Her presentation were very professional but totally engaging with our students. Everything was well prepared and she left us wanting more. The year 5 students just soaked up her words about “Secrets of the Terra Cotta Warrior” and loved her writing tips. We definitely want her back and wait for her next book.”
– Megan Lindsay, Teacher-Librarian, German Swiss International School
“Ying Compestine just completed a highly successful visit to our Middle School Division at Singapore American School. She had engaging conversations with students and teachers throughout her stay and made separate presentations to our 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. We would love to have Ying back to SAS in the future for a longer stay. ”
– Ron Starker, SAS Librarian, Singapore American School
“Our students enjoyed listening to Ying’s stories and learning about her writing process. Her presentation inspired students to write their own stories!”
– Shannon Eves, Teacher Librarian, Canadian International School of Hong Kong
“Here at Singapore American School we loved having Ying come and share her talents! My 8th grade students read her story and preformed the delicious noodle recipe. Thank you Ying for being a positive Asian American roll model for our young adults. Grade 6 loved the cookies we made together and felt honored to have an author and chef join us for a lesson.”
– Amy Ferguson, 6th-8th grade Teacher, Singapore American School
“The author visit with Ying was very exciting. If you are going to be preparing recipes from either of Ms. Compestine’s books, we most definitely want a taste!”
– Josianne Fitzgerald, Librarian, International School of Tianjin
“By far the most successful Author visit and enriching learning opportunity that we’ve ever had”
– Phoebe Kao, Librarian, Tianjin International School
“Thank you for inspiring all of us and showing us how to grow as readers and writers!”
– Tanja Galetti, Teacher Librarian, Hong Kong Academy
“Be prepared for an inspiring presentation. Also, be prepared for Ying’s books to fly off the shelves!”
– Debbie Alvarez, Teacher Librarian, Bradbury School
“Students were engaged in Ying’s stories about how she came to write Hungry Ghosts and her love of food. A large group baked a recipe of the green tea cookies that featured in this book and Ying told the students about the benefits of green tea. A great experience for Ying and the students to work together on a large scale. Thank you to Ying, for sharing all her experiences and also experiencing the wonderful students of Sha Tin College.”
—Rebecca Cottam, Head of Food Technology at Sha Tin College, Hong Kong
“Incredible… a beautiful inspiration to our students.”
– Gina Gailmard, 6th grade, Bentley School
“We were most fortunate to have this exceptional author and chef visit our students and teach them, directly and indirectly, language, history, cooking, and the craft of writing.”
– Kathy Ilyin, Librarian, Bentley School
“Students from kindergarten to fifth grade enjoyed presentations that enriched their writing skills and understanding of other cultures. Chopsticks-using contests and videos made Ms. Compestine’s words even more memorable!”
– Joanne Endo, Teacher, Baker Elementary School
“Ms. Compestine was a wonderful speaker and enthralled everyone from kindergarten through 8th grade. Her personal stories are woven with her books in an entertaining and thoughtful way. The kids continue to talk about her visit.”
— David Giff, Middle School Librarian, HPA, Hawaii
“Thank you Ms Compestine for a wonderful author visit to our school. The students were inspired by your life story and how it influenced your writing. Teachers were pleased with your many writing tips for the students, especially the photos of the pages of rewrites! You artfully modified your presentation to fit the audience grade level. We hope that you will again come to our school.”
— Linda Reser, Librarian, ‘Iolani School, Hawaii
“…the students loved your author presentation! We are all looking forward to reading your books.”
— Debra, Head Librarian, Hamlin School, San Francisco
“We sold a ton of books. Especially the paperback copies of Revolution. We ordered more Cooking w/ Green Tea for the girls. You made quite an impression on them! And it’s always a pleasure working with you.”
— Jess Ridout, Bookseller at Books Inc
“Ying was a trooper. She was very flexible with our technology glitches.”
— Librarian, Hatch Elementary School
“Ying was perfect for this event and the teachers were thrilled.”
— Librarian, St Joseph’s Elementary school, Atherton
“Ying was engaging and involving, especially since we had adults.”
— Librarian, San Mateo Public Library
“I enjoyed how engaged Ying was with the HMB school visit that I was able to observe. The kids asked a lot of questions and she kept on going…”
— Librarian, Westlake Public Library
“Thanks again for the engaging, informative, and thought provoking visit. You started a conversation about healthy living and eating that is still continuing!”
—Sally James, Librarian, South School, Hillsborough CA
-Karen Hayes, Director of Advancement, Escuela Bilingüe Internacional
"Ying Chang Compestine is such an inspiration, writing truths from the heart in the hopes that others' heads will follow. It was wonderful to welcome her back as she was one of our first author visits on this campus."
-Virginia Hunt, PS Principal, Hong Kong Academy
“During the month of January, we had Ying Chang Compestine visit our Middle School. The focus of her visit was to work with 6th graders who were reading various Historical Fiction novels and about to write HF picture book stories. I had communicated with her ahead of time our goals for her visit and writing goals as well as how the schedule might look like. Ying was a wonderful inspiration for our students, firstly because most kids had read her novel Revolution is not a Dinner party during our Battle of the Books event but mostly because she provided excellent advice and tips during her presentations. I used her writing expertise and advise to build mini-lessons around that and create charts kids are now actively using during the writing process.
Ying also spoke to the 8th-grade class about her experience during the Chinese Cultural Revolution (to support their Social Studies inquiry into the concept of Revolution) and presented her picture books to Elementary school students. Additionally, she had a small presentation for parents about healthy eating and presenting her cooking books. The signing of her books was another highlight during her 4-day visit.
Ying is a very experienced presenter and students have really enjoyed their interactions with her.
Lastly, Ying is a wonderful guest speaker for any school; she embraces learning about the culture of the country, the food, and the people. We had a lot of fun hosting her and I would recommend her in a heartbeat to any of the schools close to my heart, such as AISJ.”
- Marisa Seco-Medina, Language Arts Teacher, Cairo American College
“Year 8 students at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong received a crash course in novel writing, thanks to Ying Chang Compestine’s recent visit to our school. Using metaphors and anecdotes from her personal life, she painted a realistic picture of what a career as a published author can entail. Here’s hoping her words inspire the young writers in our midst to keep working towards their goals!”
– Lauren Bull, Senior School Librarian, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
“The time Ms. Compestine spent at our college was an exciting learning opportunity for students and staff alike. A lucky group of Chinese Native Language (CNL) also got to join Ms. Compestine in the villa for some Mandarin led baking.”
– Andy Mcilwain, Head of Libraries, Dulwich Shanghai College Pudong
“Ying Chang Compestine is a dynamic and inspiring speaker. Ying is particularly gifted in speaking to upper elementary as well as high school students and her life story is well worth hearing. Our younger students really enjoy Ying’s Chinese flavored picture books and being an international school in Taiwan, they could relate to the content. Look no further for picture books that make the Chinese traditions come alive! Ying’s tips on how to be better writers together with her personal anecdotes relating to growing up during the Cultural Revolution stimulated further discussion in the middle and high school LA classrooms.”
– Megan Noble, EMS librarian, Morrison Academy, Taiwan
“I liked how encouraging she was to the students and how she made them feel like they’ve already got a great start towards their writing careers. She made them feel smart and capable.”
– Scott Pagel, EMS librarian, Morrison Academy, Taichung
“This October we were so excited to have Ms. Ying Compestine to visit our children aged from 5-10. She held five amazing sessions that were filled with rich Chinese culture, book talks, and fun, engaging activities. It was such an incredible experience for our students to learn about how her books were created from getting inspirations to how she worked with publishers. What’s more, for our children who are on the Chinese immersion track, it was also a valuable experience to hear her presentation in Mandarin!”
– Wei Zhang, ELC and LD Chinese Librarian, Avenues: The World School
“Ying took German Swiss International School (Primary) by storm. She is the whole package from K-12 and has written humorous picture books, nail biting novels, and mouth-watering cook books. Ying specializes in giving cooking classes! Her presentation were very professional but totally engaging with our students. Everything was well prepared and she left us wanting more. The year 5 students just soaked up her words about “Secrets of the Terra Cotta Warrior” and loved her writing tips. We definitely want her back and wait for her next book.”
– Megan Lindsay, Teacher-Librarian, German Swiss International School
“Ying Compestine just completed a highly successful visit to our Middle School Division at Singapore American School. She had engaging conversations with students and teachers throughout her stay and made separate presentations to our 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. We would love to have Ying back to SAS in the future for a longer stay. ”
– Ron Starker, SAS Librarian, Singapore American School
“Our students enjoyed listening to Ying’s stories and learning about her writing process. Her presentation inspired students to write their own stories!”
– Shannon Eves, Teacher Librarian, Canadian International School of Hong Kong
“Here at Singapore American School we loved having Ying come and share her talents! My 8th grade students read her story and preformed the delicious noodle recipe. Thank you Ying for being a positive Asian American roll model for our young adults. Grade 6 loved the cookies we made together and felt honored to have an author and chef join us for a lesson.”
– Amy Ferguson, 6th-8th grade Teacher, Singapore American School
“The author visit with Ying was very exciting. If you are going to be preparing recipes from either of Ms. Compestine’s books, we most definitely want a taste!”
– Josianne Fitzgerald, Librarian, International School of Tianjin
“By far the most successful Author visit and enriching learning opportunity that we’ve ever had”
– Phoebe Kao, Librarian, Tianjin International School
“Thank you for inspiring all of us and showing us how to grow as readers and writers!”
– Tanja Galetti, Teacher Librarian, Hong Kong Academy
“Be prepared for an inspiring presentation. Also, be prepared for Ying’s books to fly off the shelves!”
– Debbie Alvarez, Teacher Librarian, Bradbury School
“Students were engaged in Ying’s stories about how she came to write Hungry Ghosts and her love of food. A large group baked a recipe of the green tea cookies that featured in this book and Ying told the students about the benefits of green tea. A great experience for Ying and the students to work together on a large scale. Thank you to Ying, for sharing all her experiences and also experiencing the wonderful students of Sha Tin College.”
—Rebecca Cottam, Head of Food Technology at Sha Tin College, Hong Kong
“Incredible… a beautiful inspiration to our students.”
– Gina Gailmard, 6th grade, Bentley School
“We were most fortunate to have this exceptional author and chef visit our students and teach them, directly and indirectly, language, history, cooking, and the craft of writing.”
– Kathy Ilyin, Librarian, Bentley School
“Students from kindergarten to fifth grade enjoyed presentations that enriched their writing skills and understanding of other cultures. Chopsticks-using contests and videos made Ms. Compestine’s words even more memorable!”
– Joanne Endo, Teacher, Baker Elementary School
“Ms. Compestine was a wonderful speaker and enthralled everyone from kindergarten through 8th grade. Her personal stories are woven with her books in an entertaining and thoughtful way. The kids continue to talk about her visit.”
— David Giff, Middle School Librarian, HPA, Hawaii
“Thank you Ms Compestine for a wonderful author visit to our school. The students were inspired by your life story and how it influenced your writing. Teachers were pleased with your many writing tips for the students, especially the photos of the pages of rewrites! You artfully modified your presentation to fit the audience grade level. We hope that you will again come to our school.”
— Linda Reser, Librarian, ‘Iolani School, Hawaii
“…the students loved your author presentation! We are all looking forward to reading your books.”
— Debra, Head Librarian, Hamlin School, San Francisco
“We sold a ton of books. Especially the paperback copies of Revolution. We ordered more Cooking w/ Green Tea for the girls. You made quite an impression on them! And it’s always a pleasure working with you.”
— Jess Ridout, Bookseller at Books Inc
“Ying was a trooper. She was very flexible with our technology glitches.”
— Librarian, Hatch Elementary School
“Ying was perfect for this event and the teachers were thrilled.”
— Librarian, St Joseph’s Elementary school, Atherton
“Ying was engaging and involving, especially since we had adults.”
— Librarian, San Mateo Public Library
“I enjoyed how engaged Ying was with the HMB school visit that I was able to observe. The kids asked a lot of questions and she kept on going…”
— Librarian, Westlake Public Library
“Thanks again for the engaging, informative, and thought provoking visit. You started a conversation about healthy living and eating that is still continuing!”
—Sally James, Librarian, South School, Hillsborough CA
Virtual Visits
“Recently our Kindergarten classes had a wonderful Skype session with Ms. Compestine. They were so excited to meet the author of the many books that they have read and loved such as The Runaway Rice Cake, Crouching Tiger, The Run Away Wok and any story with the Kang brothers! Ms. Compestine welcomed all of their questions with genuine interest and great warmth. She answered their questions, which ranged from her wonderful stories and life in China to favorite foods and healthy eating. The children were thrilled when she taught them a tai chi movement from “Crouching Tiger” and how to hold chopsticks properly. They have been talking non-stop about their “visit” with Ying and I am sure they will remember it for a long time. What a wonderful experience for them! Thank you Ms. Compestine – we look forward to working with you again in the future!”
— Peggy Maxted, Kindergarten Teacher, NJ
“The students loved your author presentation! We are all looking forward to reading your books. I will be contacting you regarding speaking at the Association of Indepentdent School Librarians Conference in April.”
— Debra Cardone, Head Librarian, Hamlin School, San Francisco
“The next best thing to having Ying in person is to Skype with her! For 3 years, she has been a part of Global Literature Circles with Web 2.0. Students were able to ask questions about Revolution Is Not a Dinner Partyand add knowledge to their cultural knapsacks. Students are able to make new connections between book and author.”
— Joan Collins, Librarian, Bedford Public School, MA
“Thank you so much for another great SKYPE session. The children are talking about you like you are their new friend. (“Remember when Ying told us her favorite food?”, Remember when Ying told us about living in China?”….) It is so nice to see them so excited to meet and talk with an author in today’s world of sport star/ rock star heroes! Thank you for presenting them with such a memorable experience!”
— Peggy Maxted, Kindergarten Teacher, NJ
— Peggy Maxted, Kindergarten Teacher, NJ
“The students loved your author presentation! We are all looking forward to reading your books. I will be contacting you regarding speaking at the Association of Indepentdent School Librarians Conference in April.”
— Debra Cardone, Head Librarian, Hamlin School, San Francisco
“The next best thing to having Ying in person is to Skype with her! For 3 years, she has been a part of Global Literature Circles with Web 2.0. Students were able to ask questions about Revolution Is Not a Dinner Partyand add knowledge to their cultural knapsacks. Students are able to make new connections between book and author.”
— Joan Collins, Librarian, Bedford Public School, MA
“Thank you so much for another great SKYPE session. The children are talking about you like you are their new friend. (“Remember when Ying told us her favorite food?”, Remember when Ying told us about living in China?”….) It is so nice to see them so excited to meet and talk with an author in today’s world of sport star/ rock star heroes! Thank you for presenting them with such a memorable experience!”
— Peggy Maxted, Kindergarten Teacher, NJ
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