New Children's Book for AAPI Heritage Month Redefines Royalty Through Acts of Kindness
The Californer/10312522

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- How do you become a princess? When Heidi Zhang's young daughter asked her the question, the working mom and finance professional turned it into an opportunity for deeper reflection—and a story. The result is Are YOU a Princess?, a heartwarming picture book that challenges traditional ideas of royalty and celebrates empathy, resilience, and diversity.

Set in the "City of Flowers and Sunshine"—inspired by the multicultural vibrancy of Los Angeles—the story follows Sophie, a young Chinese-American girl who dreams of owning a princess dress from the popular boutique, Lacy's. But with money tight, Sophie takes matters into her own hands, opening a small boba stand beside her mother's dumpling truck with a sign that reads "$2 boba."

Though her only initial customer is Abuelita Lola from the nearby fruit stand, Sophie's determination doesn't falter. She revamps her strategy with a loudspeaker and a clever offer: "Buy one at $4, get one free." Her creative marketing soon attracts more customers, including a nearby construction crew. Business booms, and Sophie finally earns enough to buy her dream dress.

But when Sophie learns that Abuelita Lola can no longer work due to her weakening legs, the young entrepreneur makes a touching decision—she returns the dress and instead uses the money to buy a wheelchair for her friend. Moved by Sophie's selflessness, Mr. Lacy, the boutique owner, gifts a royal staff to help Abuelita Lola stand again.

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In the end, the community comes together, recognizing Sophie as a true princess—not because of her appearance, but because of her kindness and courage. Her journey shows young readers that real royalty is measured not in crowns and gowns, but in the choices we make to help others.

Heidi Zhang's debut children's picture book is more than just a story—it's a heartfelt invitation for families to embrace diversity, cultivate compassion, and find strength in community—reminding us that the most powerful crowns are the ones that are invisible.

Are YOU a Princess? debuted as the #1 New Release in the Children's Multiculturalism and Tolerance category on Amazon and is available in multiple languages for ages 4-10. In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, the Kindle edition will be available for free download from May 1–5.

For more information, visit MeltingPotBooks.org or follow @MeltingPotBooks on Instagram.