Thank you so much for taking the time to share not only your expertise as an author, but your personal, passionate experiences that inspired the stories. The students were captivated by the books and the sharing of your journey to this continent. I am so thankful for you taking the time to continue to nurture young writers as they explore their emerging gifts in the written word.
— Mrs. Stacey McCampbell (ASA Low Intermediate School)
We have already been receiving emails about how powerful your presentation was. Teachers across our board send a huge thank you to you. I have never received an email minutes after a program ended sharing how much the participants appreciated a program, so thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story.”
— Mariah (Waterloo Public Library)
Thank you so much for your visit today. It was such a pleasure to welcome you into our space, and more importantly to learn from you and hear your amazing story. Thank you for instilling in our students the value of kindness, and showing them the importance of sharing life stories. You have enriched the lives of our students (and my life) for the better, and we want to send you our sincerest thanks.
— Kathryn (Eastgate Academy)
Thank you for today, you were amazing with the children
— Donna (Sir Alexander Mackenzie School)
“Thank you so much Nhung Tran-Davies, for sharing your inspirational and heartfelt stories with our students. Although, it was not my first time listening to the words from your book The Doll, it continues to bring tears to my eyes every time, especially the airport scenes. What I love even more than your stories are your powerful messages. Your message regarding the importance of education, perseverance and kindness. And reinforcing to the students that together (with liked minded people) they can accomplish whatever they set sight on. Thank you, thank you once again for your inspirational and impactful talk”
— Doan T (Teacher, Banbury Crossroads School)
Thanks so much Nhung. Your presentation was beautifully done and touched my heart.
— Sandra (Nova Scotia Public Library)
Author Inspires Courage and Compassion
— Gr 8 students (Trinity College School, Port Hope, ON)
On January 30th, the grade 7&8’s had the privilege to hear from the author of A Grain of Rice Nhung N. Tran-Davies. Her book is a contender for this year’s Red Maple Award. She talked about her journey as a Vietnamese refugee when she fled from Vietnam with her mom and 5 siblings. Her story was truly touching, and made all of us think about how lucky we are to be living in Canada. She signed a number of copies of her book for the JS students, and she even signed one for the JS Library! She talked about how she lives in Edmonton, is now a doctor, and how she sponsored two Syrian refugee families. She showed us a video of her, welcoming the Syrian family to Canada and taking them to their new home! In the video, we saw that she gave a little Syrian girl a doll, just like how she received a doll when she first arrived in Canada 40 years ago. Nhung says it is a symbol of passing on the kindness she and her family received when they were sponsored to come to Canada. We really enjoyed her presentation and we’re looking forward to reading her book!
It was an honor to have you present to our students. You have an incredible story and your message of kindness, acceptance, and giving back to others will help our students understand the lasting effects they can have on others.
— Bridget (Windermere Elementary)
It was such a pleasure to have you this afternoon. Your presentation and stories were wonderful. You’ve given our students lots to talk and read and write about!
— Dan N (Teacher/Librarian, Bayview Glen)
How exciting for me and my students that an author of such caliber is willing to come into our classroom and share the stories in person. Nhung is very personable and engaging as she effectively communicates her compelling story. She is able to help students make the connection between news stories and real life, and she lifts up her thankfulness and appreciation that Canada received her family. She has a high commitment to Canadian values of compassion and diversity. This comes across powerfully in her books and her presentation.
— Barbara W (Teacher, Calmar Secondary School)